A Texas judge ruled Thursday that Travis County District Attorney José Garza will remain in office, dismissing an attempt by the Republican-controlled state legislature to remove him. The judge’s decision came after a legal challenge claiming Garza violated a new law targeting prosecutors who refuse to prosecute certain crimes.
Judge Dib Waldrip, a Republican, ruled that Garza did not break the law, dismissing the removal petition with prejudice. This ruling prevents any further legal action on the matter.
Garza, a Democrat, has faced criticism from conservative lawmakers who argue his policies align with liberal priorities that sometimes don’t fully enforce certain laws. However, the judge found no basis for removing him from office.
In response to the decision, Garza called the removal petition a politically motivated effort to undermine his office’s work. He emphasized that the attempt to remove him was unsuccessful because his office respects both the law and the community it serves.
Though the judge dismissed the case, he delayed the final ruling for six months, waiting until after the upcoming election to ensure no political influence affected the process. This delay ensures the issue is not revisited before voters have their say.
