James "Jim" Bethke is from Austin, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Tyler and a law degree from Texas Tech University.

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James "Jim" Bethke has a bachelor 's degree in political science from the University of Texas at Tyler and a law degree from Texas Tech University. He lives with his wife in Austin. 

Jim is the executive director of the Bexar County Managed Assigned Counsel Office. He previously served as the executive director of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, Harris County Justice Administration, Harris County Pretrial Services, and Lubbock Private Defender Office. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University (TTU) School of Law. Jim is a U.S. Army veteran.

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James is the executive director of the Bexar County Managed Assigned Counsel Office. He previously served as the executive director of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, Harris County Justice Administration, Harris County Pretrial Services, and Lubbock Private Defender Office. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University (TTU) School of Law. Jim is a U.S. Army veteran.

Jim is currently the executive director of the Bexar County Managed Assigned Counsel Office. He was appointed to this position in November 2021. He previously served as the executive director of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

Who has announced a run to lead the Bexar County District ...

Jame's campaign for District Attorney in Bexar County is his first run for public office. 

As of January 22, 2026, James "Jim" Bethke’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Legal Experience

Meet the candidates running for office in Bexar County in 2026

Plans to prosecute violent crimes aggressively while using diversion and rehabilitation strategically, without substituting them for accountability.

Wants to use diversion and rehabilitation programs strategically for appropriate cases.

Plans to establish a  Backlog Strike Force Team to address case backlog and prioritize older cases.

Supports early case screening to expedite strong cases and decline weak cases quickly.

Supports establishing a victim communication program with dedicated contacts and timely updates.

Wants to implement office-wide training on ethics, trial readiness, and victim communication.

Plans to establish a partnership council with law enforcement for monthly briefings and case feedback.

- Wants to use diversion and rehabilitation programs strategically for appropriate cases.
- Plans to establish a  Backlog Strike Force Team to address case backlog and prioritize older cases.
- Supports early case screening to expedite strong cases and decline weak cases quickly.
- Supports establishing a victim communication program with dedicated contacts and timely updates.
- Wants to implement office-wide training on ethics, trial readiness, and victim communication.
- Plans to establish a partnership council with law enforcement for monthly briefings and case feedback.

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James "Jim" Bethke

- District attorneys prosecute felony criminal cases on behalf of the state, presenting them to grand juries and working closely with law enforcement during investigations.
- They also represent victims seeking protective orders and assist in removing children from abusive homes as part of their responsibilities.
- They are elected to four-year terms.
- District attorneys in Texas make between $175,000 and $220,500, based on how long they have served in office. 