SAN ANTONIO, TX — Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected as the next mayor of San Antonio, marking a series of historic firsts for the city. In the June 7 runoff election, Ortiz Jones secured 54.3% of the vote, defeating former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos, who garnered 45.7% .
Ortiz Jones, a former Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force under President Joe Biden, becomes San Antonio’s first openly LGBTQ+ mayor and the first Asian American woman to hold the city’s highest office . Her victory also marks the first time since 1975 that a mayor has been elected without prior service on the City Council .
The election followed a crowded general race on May 3, where Ortiz Jones led with 27.2% of the vote, and Pablos followed with 16.6%, leading to the runoff as neither candidate achieved the required majority . Voter turnout in the runoff reached nearly 17%, a notable increase from the 9.26% turnout in the general election .
Ortiz Jones’ campaign emphasized progressive policies, including expanding public transportation, affordable housing initiatives, and climate resilience projects. She positioned herself as a unifying figure, stating in her victory speech, “We reminded folks what San Antonio stands for… compassion and leading with everybody in mind” .
Ortiz Jones received support from national Democratic groups, while Pablos was backed by conservative donors, including a political action committee aligned with Texas Governor Greg Abbott .
Ortiz Jones will succeed term-limited Mayor Ron Nirenberg and will be the first to serve a four-year term, a change approved by voters last year . She is set to be sworn in on June 18, 2025.
Her election is seen as a shift towards more progressive leadership in San Antonio, reflecting broader trends in urban politics across the United States. As mayor, Ortiz Jones will face pivotal decisions, including the future of Project Marvel, a proposed downtown sports and entertainment district. She has expressed skepticism about the plan but has indicated openness to discussions about funding elements of the project .
Ortiz Jones’ victory represents a significant milestone in San Antonio’s political landscape, signaling a move towards inclusive and progressive governance.
