Travis County District Attorney José Garza triumphs in Democratic primary

Travis County District Attorney José Garza survived a well-funded opponent to win his Democratic primary.

Why it matters: The victory affirms the staying power of progressive prosecutors.

• Garza swept into office as part of a wave of reform-minded prosecutors elected after national social unrest following George Floyd's 2020 murder.

Catch up quick: In an election about criminal justice priorities for Austin and Travis County, Garza stressed his efforts to go after the root causes of domestic violence and gun crimes.

• His primary opponent, Jeremy Sylestine, who far outraised Garza in a key stretch leading up to the election, argued the district attorney was soft on crime .

Between the lines: On Tuesday, Elon Musk emailed Tesla employees, asking them to vote for a new district attorney in Austin who will "actually prosecute crimes," Bloomberg reported .

What they're saying: "We scored a major victory for our progressive movement and for criminal justice reform in this town," Garza told supporters last night at Hotel Vegas.

What's next: Garza faces Republican Daniel Betts in November, but will be heavily favored in deep-blue Travis County.

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