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Axios
3 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Get to know San Antonio mayoral runoff candidates
There's only about a month between the May 3 election and June 7 runoff for San Antonio voters to get to know mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos, the two who emerged on top from a field of 27 people. We asked each a series of fun questions to learn more about them as a person. Catch up quick: Ortiz Jones, a former Air Force undersecretary under the Biden administration, won about 27% of the vote in the May 3 election. Pablos, a former Texas secretary of state appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, won nearly 17%. Early voting is underway now through June 3. Find polling times and locations online. Election day is June 7. Here are the questions: How do you start your morning? What's your favorite restaurant in the city? Tell us a fun fact about you. What are your hobbies when you're not working? What's your favorite TV show? What's your favorite movie? What's your favorite book? What's your favorite band or musician? What's your proudest personal achievement? What do you consider your top career accomplishment? Here's what they told us. Gina Ortiz Jones Thinking about how many people in our city would suffer if our next mayor was a green light for Trump/Abbott. Dinner: Leche de Tigre, Breakfast: the (El Rodeo De) Jalisco on Potranco and Dugas. I've been shark cage diving off the coast of South Africa. Reading, running and grabbing a spicy margarita with friends. "The Sopranos." "(The) Godfather (Part II)." Hannah Arendt's "Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil." George Strait. Being a good big sister and daughter. From Air Force intelligence officer deployed to Iraq, to 27th Under Secretary of the Air Force, my service has always been to our country. Rolando Pablos I spend time praying and meditating. It helps me compose myself and reflect on the blessings in my life. Mi Tierra. I love it and Market Square because our city's culture is so alive there, and it's filled with visitors from other cultures. My family immigrated from Mexico in 1976, when I was 8 years old. I appreciate the sacrifices my parents made, and we have lived the American dream. I love hunting. I'm a "foodie" and enjoy trying different restaurants. And I'm a big fan of all genres of music and enjoy concerts. "Entourage." "Lost in Translation." The Bible and "The Road Less Traveled." Rush. My 30-year marriage to my wonderful wife and our four remarkable children. I'm also blessed to have a very tight-knit extended family.
Axios
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
San Antonio mayor election results: Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos lead
Candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos are leading San Antonio's mayoral race, according to unofficial early vote results posted Saturday. Why it matters: San Antonio voters had 27 candidates to choose from on the ballot, all vying in the city's first open mayoral race in 16 years. Early results show voters opted for City Hall outsiders with strong fundraising and spending over longtime councilmembers. The intrigue: The city has not elected a mayor who didn't serve on the council since 2005, when voters chose Phil Hardberger over then-District 7 Councilmember Julián Castro. (Castro wouldn't become mayor until 2009.) Catch up quick: Mayor Ron Nirenberg reached his term limits after eight years in office, making him the city's longest-serving mayor since Henry Cisneros in the 1980s. San Antonio's next mayor will serve for four years after voters approved increasing term length from two years. They will work alongside at least four new city councilmembers. There won't be another City Council election until 2029. The latest: As of 7:40pm, results showed top candidates earning: Gina Ortiz Jones: 26.54% Rolando Pablos: 15.27% Beto Altamirano: 12.42% Adriana Rocha Garcia: 10.36% Manny Pelaez: 7.86% Melissa Cabello Havrda: 6.44% John Courage: 6.36% Clayton Perry: 5.85% Zoom in: Ortiz Jones is a former Air Force undersecretary who was twice the Democratic nominee for the 23rd Congressional District. Pablos is a former Texas secretary of state who has also served as a senior adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott. The big picture: The new mayor will lead San Antonio at a pivotal time, as officials are looking to gain public support for a new downtown Spurs arena that could be surrounded by a sports and entertainment district.
Axios
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Voter guide: San Antonio area elections 2025
Election Day is May 3, and early voting kicks off on April 22 in Texas. Here's what you need to know about how to vote and key races around San Antonio. Why it matters: City voters will have their say in a pivotal mayoral election and competitive and open races for City Council. Several school districts are also holding board and bond elections. Get ready to vote Before you vote: The Bexar County Elections Department website allows you to check your voter registration status. It will then provide you with an individualized sample ballot, based on the address where you're registered, showing races you can vote on. How to vote: Find early voting locations, open April 22–29, online here. Find Election Day polling locations, open 7am–7pm May 3, online here. Plus: April 22 is also the last day to apply for a ballot by mail. San Antonio mayor The mayoral election will be 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. The big picture: The contest is between longtime City Council members and City Hall outsiders who have strong campaign war chests and endorsement ties. 27 candidates are on the ballot, but eight are standing out for either their fundraising or name recognition: Rolando Pablos: The former Texas secretary of state has also served as a senior adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott. Manny Pelaez: The District 8 council member representing the Northwest Side focuses on economic and business growth, and domestic violence prevention. He is an outspoken official who has rankled progressives. Adriana Rocha Garcia: The District 4 council member from the Southwest Side is a marketing professor who has been vocal about the lack of access to health care resources in Hispanic neighborhoods. Gina Ortiz Jones: The former Air Force undersecretary was twice the Democratic nominee for the 23rd Congressional District. Clayton Perry: The former District 10 council member is a conservative whose council career was cut short after he faced charges in connection with drunken driving and a hit-and-run crash. He often focused on infrastructure improvements and fiscal conservatism. John Courage: The District 9 council member representing the North Side is a longtime Democrat known for his ability to win in a conservative-leaning district. He is often focused on basic infrastructure needs. Beto Altamirano: A tech entrepreneur whose company developed the city's 311 app. He formerly served on the board of Port San Antonio and has worked with the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Melissa Cabello Havrda: The District 6 council member representing the Far West Side straddles the divide as a pro-business official who also advocates for more liberal priorities like using public funds for abortion travel. San Antonio City Council Nearly half the San Antonio City Council will be made up of fresh faces by the summer. Why it matters: A new generation of council members will help shape a range of transformative city plans. State of play: Four out of 10 City Council districts on the May 3 ballot will not have an incumbent, and there's at least one other competitive council race. How it works: Voters can only cast a ballot for a candidate running in their district. To find your City Council district, enter your address online. What we're watching: The top races to watch will be in districts 1, 4, 6, 8 and 9. District 1 has an incumbent with nine challengers, the most of any incumbent. Districts 4, 6, 8 and 9 have no incumbents. Go deeper: Open races in the San Antonio City Council 2025 election Alamo Colleges District bond Alamo Colleges District is asking voters to approve a $987 million bond. Why it matters: The community college district has experienced enrollment growth in recent years that sets it apart from others across the country. Flashback: ACD said its fall enrollment last year reached more than 77,000 students across its five campuses, nearly a 14% jump over the prior year and an all-time high. By the numbers: The district expects enrollment to reach 100,000 by 2030. Zoom in: If approved, about $535 million of the bond would go toward new and expanded programs to prepare students for in-demand jobs. Another $247 million would go toward infrastructure. There will be no tax rate increase. East Central ISD bond East Central ISD is one of just a handful of San Antonio area school districts experiencing growth in enrollment. Why it matters: The district is pitching voters on a bond to build a new high school and two new elementary schools. Voters turned down a bond proposal last fall. State of play: ECISD expects its enrollment to more than double from 2023 to 2033, reaching over 25,000 students. By the numbers: This year's bond totals a little more than $309 million. A portion of the school tax rate could increase by up to 8 cents in 2027, per ECISD. The district estimates that for a home valued at $280,000 with a homestead exemption, the annual increase would be $157 per year. Flashback: Last year's rejected bond included three proposals totaling over $347 million. It would have been accompanied by a tax increase of 13 cents, per the SA Report. School board races Several San Antonio area school districts will hold board races on May 3:
Axios
18-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
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.
