San Antonio mayoral candidates on a new Spurs arena
San Antonio's May 3 mayoral election is the first in 16 years without an incumbent on the ballot.
Why it matters: The city will have a new mayor during a critical time, when officials are looking to gain public support for a new downtown Spurs arena that could be surrounded by a sports and entertainment district.
State of play: San Antonio's next mayor will serve a four-year term after voters approved increasing term length from two years.
How it works: There are 27 candidates on the ballot. Axios San Antonio chose 10 candidates for a questionnaire based on the people leading in fundraising or name recognition.
The responses have been lightly edited to adhere to Axios style.
Candidate Tim Westley did not respond to Axios' questionnaire.
Here are the questions:
Voters face a crowded ballot for this election. What sets you apart from the other candidates for mayor?
The city's plans to move the Spurs downtown and create a surrounding sports and entertainment district will be a key focus for a new mayor. Do you support Project Marvel, and why or why not?
Tell us about your favorite place in San Antonio and what makes you love this city.
Here is how the candidates answered:
Rolando Pablos
I believe my experience in the highest levels of business and government make me the best candidate to create a stronger future for San Antonio. I've run three large government organizations, more than anyone in the race, and I have extensive economic development experience in government and the private sector. I'll use this experience to create greater efficiencies and accountability in our local government, lead aggressive economic development efforts to attract companies and good-paying jobs to San Antonio, and ensure our public safety agencies have the resources needed to ensure the safety of our citizens and their homes and businesses.
San Antonio needs to compete as a top-tier sports and entertainment destination, but it's important to remember this involves two projects: One is the entertainment district. In addition to a quality-of-life improvement for San Antonio, it would be an important draw for big companies considering relocation here. We must attract private investment to fully fund it. The other is the Spurs arena. The Spurs are a civic, cultural and economic asset that drives tourism, business and city pride. If we make any level of investment, it must be public-private, so the Spurs have skin in the game.
Market Square is my favorite place in our beautiful city! It is alive with our culture and the energy of locals and visitors from across the world who also represent a blend of cultures. I love San Antonio because of our wonderful culture, history and identity, and the way we celebrate it. In fact, our cultural excellence would be a key part of "San Antonio Next," a global marketing campaign I would launch as mayor to help enhance San Antonio's reputation as a world-class destination, and I will commit to restoring our cultural gems like the River Walk.
Robert T. Melvin
What sets me apart is my proven track record of building — homes, businesses and opportunities — for over two decades.
Project Marvel potentially (will be) economic growth, job creation and enhanced cultural experiences for our community.
My favorite place in San Antonio is Pearl — so many memories created there with my family.
Manny Pelaez
I bring the required expertise, experience and vision to make San Antonio the safest and strongest city in America.
Yes, but the Spurs need to build their own stadium without tax dollars.
Taqueria Datapoint — a gathering spot where families come together to celebrate authenticity, great food and community.
Adriana Rocha Garcia
Rocha Garcia is serving her sixth year on City Council. She serves as Chair of (the) Municipal Utilities Committee and Planning and Development Committee. Adriana is the (board) president of the San Antonio Housing Trust, which has created over 7,000 units under her leadership. As the creator of the Small Business Advisory Commission and a public health advocate, Adriana believes in the responsible growth of San Antonio where no one is left behind.
I love the Spurs and believe they unite our city. However, it is essential that residents benefit from Project Marvel. This means ensuring access to affordable housing, health care and better job opportunities for our community. Additionally, we need to improve our streets, sidewalks and reliable internet access. I also want to ensure that the Frost Bank Center is transformed into a space where residents can access education, health care and housing opportunities. To fund this project, we need to collaborate with the county, and the Spurs ownership should contribute as well. We must explore all financing options.
(The) San Antonio Zoo is my favorite place. I love Timothy the Hippo and his creative writing skills. He lives with his grandma Uma, reminding me of all the grandparents raising grandkids in San Antonio. Brayden, the giraffe, is San Antonio's most eligible bachelor, and Twig, the tiny owl, is the cutest bird you'll ever meet. The zoo keeps family fun affordable. For kids like me, it was a treat my parents could afford, and I'll always have great memories of Lucy the elephant and her friends, lovingly dubbed the Golden Girls. The zoo has been a happy place for me.
Gina Ortiz Jones
San Antonio needs a mayor with proven leadership and a commitment to public service. As undersecretary of the Air Force, I managed a $173 billion budget, led 600,000 personnel and implemented reforms that improved the lives of service members and their families. My experience in government has been about solving problems, removing barriers and making smart investments — skills I will bring to City Hall.
Project Marvel has the potential to transform downtown and our city. However, at this point, we don't have enough information to assess the true cost and potential benefits for our community. Voters remember too well previous promises around publicly financed venues: an NFL team with the Alamodome, 20% of Spurs' profits annually and East Side revitalization with the AT&T Center. None of that was realized. We must think of this potential generational investment as a way to address the generational inequities in our city. As mayor, I'll ensure that public investments are transparent, fiscally responsible and serve our entire city.
My favorite place in San Antonio is the Duck Pond in Heritage. I grew up walking past it to and from school, and it's always been a calming place for me: running around it at dawn, seeing neighbors and classmates that I haven't seen in a while, feeding the ducks and turtles at dusk. I love my city, because I feel at home in every part of it. Our people set us apart from other cities, and I look forward to being a mayor who serves with everyone in mind.
Clayton Perry
Experience and commonsense leadership! Retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force; retired vice president; three terms as councilmember (in) District 10.
I will not support additional debt using public tax dollars. We already have the largest debt per capita in Texas (of the 10 largest city governments).
The Alamo being the Cradle of Liberty in Texas. I love the people and multicultures in S.A. that make it friendly and unique.
John Courage
I have been the District 9 councilmember for eight years. I have the knowledge and experience (and) courage to lead our city.
I support expanding and improving the convention center, the Alamodome and Hemisfair. I (am) considering supporting the arena.
Brackenridge Park with its trails, the zoo, the train, the Witte Museum, the Sunken Garden (Theater), etc. It is a gem for all to enjoy.
Beto Altamirano
My unique mix of public and private sector experiences, including my role as CEO of a small business, sets me apart.
I support Project Marvel and will support the new Spurs arena if no general funds are used in its construction.
My favorite place is walking along the River Walk and I love this city because anyone can shape its future.
Melissa Cabello Havrda
I am a fighter. I have real leadership (experience) and real results. I'm not running on promises — I've proven I can deliver for San Antonians. I've secured millions for public safety, mental health, foster youth and infrastructure. As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I led efforts to reduce crime and expand mental health services. At the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, I fought for the transportation funding shaping our city's future. What prepares me is my deep connection with San Antonio. I've earned trust through accountability and a clear vision. I bring a fighter's resilience and I don't back down.
I support a downtown stadium only under three conditions: no taxpayer dollars, a strong displacement plan and real economic investment. San Antonians should never fund private development without guaranteed benefits. I will not support using public dollars — those should fund core services, not subsidize private interests. There must be an enforceable plan to prevent displacement and invest in East Side communities. Any deal must deliver long-term economic benefits, including workforce development and infrastructure. I fought to ensure East Side leadership had a voice. If Project Marvel meets these conditions, it can move forward. But public trust demands guarantees, not promises.
My favorite place in San Antonio is my grandmother's house on the South Side. It's where I learned what love, resilience and community really mean. My grandparents have always been my inspiration — and their example led me to a life of service. I am a daughter of this city. I love its people, its culture, its food and its art. San Antonio raised me, and it's been the honor of my life to serve as a councilmember. Now, I'm ready to serve as your mayor — with heart, with purpose and with deep roots in this community.
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