San Antonio’s 2025 mayoral race has captured national attention as it advances to a runoff between two candidates with distinct visions for the city’s future. Gina Ortiz Jones, a former Under Secretary of the Air Force and Democratic congressional candidate, leads the field with 27.2% of the vote from the initial election held on May 3. Her opponent, Rolando Pablos, a Republican and former Texas Secretary of State, secured 16.6% of the vote. The runoff election is scheduled for June 7, with early voting from May 27 to June 3.
A Progressive Platform
Ortiz Jones’s campaign emphasizes progressive policies aimed at addressing systemic issues in San Antonio. Her platform includes expanding affordable housing, implementing universal pre-kindergarten, and enhancing public transportation. She advocates for equitable economic development and has garnered endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, including former mayors Phil Hardberger and Julián Castro, as well as U.S. Representative Greg Casar.
Contrasting Visions
In contrast, Pablos focuses on economic development through public-private partnerships, infrastructure expansion, and tax reductions. He has received endorsements from conservative organizations and emphasizes leveraging his experience in state government to attract business investments to San Antonio. Pablos’s platform also includes plans to expand the city’s airport and recruit new businesses.
Key Issues at Stake
The runoff election serves as a referendum on the direction of San Antonio’s policies, particularly concerning affordable housing, public transportation, and police reform. Ortiz Jones’s progressive stance on these issues contrasts with Pablos’s more conservative approach, highlighting the city’s ideological divide. The outcome of the election could signal the broader political trajectory of Texas’s urban centers.
Voter Engagement
With nearly half of voters still undecided, both campaigns are intensifying outreach efforts to mobilize support. The candidates’ differing backgrounds and policy priorities offer voters a clear choice in shaping San Antonio’s future. As early voting commences, the race underscores the significance of civic participation in determining the city’s leadership and policy direction.
