Former Bexar County DA Sam Millsap, a Democrat, Endorses Republican Ashley Foster for District Attorney

A former Democratic district attorney is backing the Republican in Bexar County's race for its top prosecutor. Sam Millsap, who served as Bexar County district attorney from 1982 to 1986, crossed the aisle Monday to endorse Republican Ashley Foster for district attorney, the San Antonio Current reported.

"I am making this endorsement because the future of the District Attorney's Office matters more than party loyalty," Millsap said in a statement, as published by the Current. "After more than 40 years of watching this office and the community it serves, I believe Bexar County needs competent leadership." He added: "Today, the office faces serious challenges. We have an opportunity to restore public confidence, bring fresh leadership to the institution, and move it in a different direction. I have not heard a convincing argument that continuing under the same party's leadership is the answer."

Foster is running against Democrat Luz Elena Chapa, who has faced headwinds, including from the Express-News editorial board, over her perceived lack of experience prosecuting cases, according to the Current. Independent candidate Jason Wolff is also in the race, and some political observers cited by the Current said he could siphon conservative votes from Foster. Millsap has remained a public figure since leaving office as an outspoken critic of the death penalty — opposition that emerged after his office prosecuted Ruben Cantu for capital murder; Cantu was executed in 1992, more than a decade before a Houston Chronicle investigation raised serious questions about his guilt, the Current reported. Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.