Republican Bexar County DA candidate speaks during a recent campaign event. Credit: Facebook / Ashley Foster

Democrat Sam Millsap, who served as Bexar County District Attorney from 1982 to 1986, crossed the aisle Monday to endorse Republican Ashley Foster for Bexar County district attorney.

Foster is running against Democrat Luz Elena Chapa, who has faced headwinds, including from the Express-News editorial board, for her perceived lack of experience prosecuting cases.

“I am making this endorsement because the future of the District Attorney’s Office matters more than party loyalty,” Millsap said in a statement. “After more than 40 years of watching this office and the community it serves, I believe Bexar County needs competent leadership.”

Although Millsap served in office decades ago, he’s remained politically relevant as an outspoken critic of the death penalty. His opposition to capital punishment emerged after his office prosecuted Ruben Cantu for capital murder.

The state executed Cantu in 1992 — more than a decade before a Houston Chronicle investigation raised serious questions about the man’s guilt.

Millsap’s endorsement comes at a critical time for Foster’s campaign, which is also under threat from independent candidate Jason Wolff, who some political observers said could siphon conservative votes from Foster during an already difficult election cycle for the GOP.

Even so, Millsap maintained in his statement that voters must look past party politics when it comes to electing Bexar County’s top prosecutor.

“Today, the office faces serious challenges,” Millsap said. “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.”

Early voting continues through Oct. 30. Polls will reopen on Election Day, Nov. 3. Information about local polling sites and their operating hours is available at the Bexar County Elections Department’s website.

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...