San Antonio, Texas, February 10, 2026
The San Antonio City Council has taken steps toward a censure vote against Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, citing unprofessional conduct over several months. This decision follows a confrontation between Mayor Jones and Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, which led to a formal complaint. The council emphasizes the need for respect and integrity among city leaders. Mayor Jones, who took office in June 2025, has faced criticism previously, including being blocked from unilateral updates to policymaking processes. The importance of maintaining professional conduct within the city’s leadership is a critical focus of this situation.
San Antonio City Council Moves Toward Censure Vote Against Mayor Jones Over Unprofessional Conduct
San Antonio, Texas – Five members of the San Antonio City Council have initiated steps toward a censure vote against Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, citing “unprofessional conduct” over the past seven months. The councilmembers involved in the proposal are Phyllis Viagran (District 3), Teri Castillo (District 5), Marina Alderete Gavito (District 7), Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (District 8), and Misty Spears (District 9).
The move follows a confrontation on February 5, 2026, between Mayor Jones and District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur. In the aftermath, Kaur filed a formal code of conduct complaint against Jones, which is currently under investigation. The councilmembers’ memo highlights “repeated instances of unprofessional conduct” by the mayor in dealings with councilmembers, city staff, and residents. They emphasized the importance of leaders acting with respect to maintain the integrity and trust of San Antonio’s government.
Mayor Jones, who was sworn into office on June 18, 2025, has faced previous challenges from the City Council. In September 2025, the council voted to block her from unilaterally making updates to the council’s policymaking process, escalating tensions between the mayor and some councilmembers. Additionally, in September 2025, District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez was censured following her arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Censures are symbolic gestures expressing disapproval but do not affect an official’s ability to perform their duties.
The censure proposal against Mayor Jones is the latest development in ongoing tensions between the mayor and certain councilmembers, reflecting the challenges of governance and the importance of maintaining professional conduct within the city’s leadership.
What is a censure vote?
A censure vote is a formal expression of disapproval by a legislative body. It is a symbolic gesture that does not remove an official from office or affect their ability to perform their duties but serves to publicly reprimand the individual for their actions.
Who are the councilmembers involved in the censure proposal against Mayor Jones?
The councilmembers involved are Phyllis Viagran (District 3), Teri Castillo (District 5), Marina Alderete Gavito (District 7), Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (District 8), and Misty Spears (District 9).
What prompted the censure proposal against Mayor Jones?
The proposal was initiated following a confrontation on February 5, 2026, between Mayor Jones and District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur. Kaur filed a formal code of conduct complaint against Jones, which is currently under investigation. The councilmembers cited “repeated instances of unprofessional conduct” by the mayor over the past seven months.
Has Mayor Jones faced similar challenges before?
Yes, in September 2025, the City Council voted to block Mayor Jones from unilaterally making updates to the council’s policymaking process, reflecting ongoing tensions between the mayor and some councilmembers. Additionally, in September 2025, District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez was censured following her arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
What is the significance of a censure vote?
A censure vote serves as a formal reprimand and expresses disapproval of an official’s conduct. While it does not remove the official from office or affect their duties, it publicly acknowledges misconduct and can impact the official’s reputation and future actions.
Key Features of the Censure Proposal Against Mayor Jones
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initiating Councilmembers | Phyllis Viagran (District 3), Teri Castillo (District 5), Marina Alderete Gavito (District 7), Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (District 8), and Misty Spears (District 9) |
| Reason for Censure | Repeated instances of unprofessional conduct by Mayor Jones over the past seven months |
| Recent Incident | Confrontation between Mayor Jones and District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur on February 5, 2026, leading to a formal code of conduct complaint |
| Previous Challenges | September 2025: Council blocked Mayor Jones from unilaterally updating the council’s policymaking process; September 2025: District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez censured after DWI arrest |
| Significance | Reflects ongoing tensions between Mayor Jones and certain councilmembers, emphasizing the importance of professional conduct in city leadership |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Councilwoman Receives Probation in DWI Case
Ilhan Omar Responds to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Supreme Court Restores Voting Rights for Censured Lawmaker
House Votes to Censure Congressman Following Protest
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.
