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Granberry wins race for Nueces County district attorney

Sakege November 6, 2024

Incumbent James “Jimmy” Granberry defeated Democratic challenger Terry Shamsie in the race for Nueces County district attorneyaccording to complete and unofficial election results.

Granberry won 55.65% of the vote, or 63,907 votes, to Shamsie’s 44.35%, or 50,925 votes, according to complete unofficial results, with all 65 precincts reporting Tuesday night.

Both candidates brought decades of experience working in criminal defense law, as well as years of service as attorneys in the Nueces County courts.

Granberry brings more than 35 years of experience working in criminal law as a prosecutor and defense attorney. He was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the 105th Judicial District last year to serve out the remainder of former District Attorney Mark Gonzalez’s term. González resigned to run in the Democratic primary for the nomination to challenge U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

The district attorney has emphasized issues including fighting crime and obtaining county funding to attract and retain qualified prosecutors and attorneys in Nueces County. Campaigning on a tough-on-crime stance, the lawyer says criminals must be prosecuted and held accountable for the crimes they commit. At the same time, it emphasizes the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and ensuring that victims have the resources to navigate the adult and juvenile systems.

Shamsie is a criminal defense attorney who has served as a Nueces County judge, assistant county attorney, and judge in the county’s Justice Court No. 5.

Both candidates have noted the need to address emerging issues being handled by the district attorney’s office, namely an increase in violent crime among youth and the commission of juvenile firearms crimes.

The district attorney represents the state government in the prosecution of criminal offenses and is the chief law enforcement official and legal officer of his jurisdiction.

The district attorney also supervises a team of prosecutors and assistant district attorneys, who represent the state and prosecute criminals on behalf of the district attorney.

The Nueces County district attorney serves a four-year term.

Granberry’s term in the designated position would expire on December 31.

The results will not be official until the election is certified.