‘Unfinished business’: 2 career staffers face rematch in Democrats’ District Clerk runoff

April 3, 2026 - 01:07

Two familiar faces with deep ties to the office will face off once again in the Democratic primary runoff for Bexar County District Clerk. The contest between incumbent Gloria Martinez and challenger Chris Castillo is framed by a shared history and a sense of unresolved professional matters.

Each candidate dedicated decades of service to the District Clerk's office before their tenures were ended under a previous administration. This common experience of being pushed out by a former boss has fueled a campaign centered on institutional knowledge and a desire to steer the office's future.

Martinez, who won the seat in the last election, is running on her record and the stability she has brought to the position. She emphasizes improvements in technology and customer service implemented during her term.

Castillo, however, argues that more transformative change is needed. He is campaigning on a platform of increasing transparency and modernizing operations further, suggesting the office has not yet reached its full potential under the current leadership.

The runoff election will ultimately decide which veteran of the office voters believe can best complete what both describe as their unfinished business. The race highlights a Democratic primary where personal history and professional expertise are the central themes, with the winner likely to claim the seat in this heavily Democratic county.