News Summary
San Antonio is excited for its first mayoral election since 2017, with 27 candidates vying for the position as current Mayor Ron Nirenberg steps down. The election on May 3, 2025, will also feature all City Council seats and significant bond measures up for voter approval, with early voting starting on April 22. Notably, this marks the first election since 2009 without an incumbent on the ballot, potentially reshaping city governance.
San Antonio Gears Up for a Big Mayoral Election
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its first new mayoral election since 2017. Current Mayor Ron Nirenberg is stepping down in June after hitting the maximum term limit of eight years set by the City Charter. This means fresh faces and new ideas are set to emerge on the ballot!
A Whopping 27 Candidates in the Ring
Can you believe it? A total of 27 candidates are vying for the top spot in San Antonio. With such a large crowd, the competition is sure to be fierce. To win outright, a candidate needs to grab over 50% of the votes on election day, which is scheduled for May 3, 2025. But with so many candidates in the mix, it’s highly likely that we’ll see a runoff on June 7 if nobody secures that majority.
City Council Seats and Bond Measures on the Ballot
The excitement doesn’t stop there! All 10 City Council seats will also be up for grabs during this election. Plus, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on some significant bond questions, which include funding for local school districts like East Central, Harlandale, and Northside, among others. These bond measures aim to support various educational needs and improve facilities.
Early Voting and Mail-in Ballots
Mark your calendars! Early voting will kick off from April 22 and run until April 29, 2025. If you prefer to vote by mail, make sure your application for a mail-in ballot is postmarked by April 22 to ensure your voice is heard.
Candidates and Polling Insights
Among the crowded field, only nine candidates are polling above 3%, while the majority, 18 candidates, are hanging below the 1% line. John Courage is trailing behind Ortiz Jones at 7%, with Beto Altamirano and Rolando Pablos generating over 5% support. A handful of candidates including Manny Pelaez, Melissa Cabello Havrda, Adriana Rocha Garcia, Clayton Perry, and Tim Westley sit between 3% and 5%.
Community Sentiment on Development Projects
In terms of community projects, resident support for the downtown sports and entertainment district, dubbed “Project Marvel”, has taken a nosedive since February. About 44% of survey participants are against the redevelopment plans. Additionally, support for a new arena for the San Antonio Missions has dwindled to only 34%.
Changes in City Governance
This election is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 2009 that an incumbent mayor will not be on the ballot. Those elected will serve four-year terms for the first time due to a recent change in the city charter voted in last year. The new mayoral salary will be set at $87,800.
As San Antonio gears up for this pivotal election, citizens will not only have the chance to select a new mayor but also influence the future development of their city and education through crucial bond proposals, including nearly $987 million for Alamo Colleges aimed at enhancing workforce development and $309 million for new facilities for East Central ISD. There’s a lot at stake, and every vote truly counts!
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio Mayoral Race
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KENS5: Early Voting Dates
- Google Search: San Antonio mayor election 2025
- Express News: Voter Guide
- Google Scholar: San Antonio elections
- News 4 San Antonio: UTSA Poll Data
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio governance
- KENS5: Mayoral Candidates
- Google News: San Antonio mayor 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
