News Summary
Gina Ortiz Jones has secured her position as the new mayor of San Antonio, defeating Rolando Pablos with 54.3% of the vote in a recent runoff election. Her victory is historic, as she will serve a four-year term following a charter amendment changing term limits. With significant voter turnout and strong community support, Ortiz Jones’ win marks a pivotal moment for San Antonio’s political landscape, especially amid shifting dynamics in Texas politics. The election underscored a growing trend toward progressive leadership in the region.
San Antonio – Gina Ortiz Jones emerged victorious in the San Antonio mayoral race, defeating Rolando Pablos with 54.3% of the votes in a runoff election held on June 7, 2025. This election was notable not only for its historic implications but also for a record number of ballots cast, with a reported 143,017 ballots submitted, resulting in a voter turnout of 17%.
Ortiz Jones’ victory marks a significant shift in San Antonio’s political landscape, as she will be the first mayor to serve a four-year term after a recent charter amendment changed council term limits from four two-year terms to two four-year terms. Her predecessor, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, was unable to run for reelection due to term limits after serving since 2017. Ortiz Jones’ election also comes during a time of considerable political transitions in Texas, with many interpreting her victory as a positive sign for Texas Democrats.
In her victory speech, Ortiz Jones reflected on the themes of decency, kindness, and compassion, expressing gratitude to the community that supported her campaign. Pablos conceded swiftly after the election, acknowledging the significant community support that Ortiz Jones garnered throughout her campaign. The election for mayor was nonpartisan, meaning neither candidate officially represented a political party.
Total participation was notable, as 40,218 votes were cast on election day alone. This profound engagement was also seen in the simultaneous determination of four San Antonio City Council seats during the runoff. Other council elections included victories for Sukh Kaur in District 1 as the only incumbent, along with narrow wins for Ric Galvan in District 6, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez in District 8, and Misty Spears in District 9.
Prior to the mayoral race, Ortiz Jones served as a former Under Secretary of the United States Air Force and previously ran for Congressional District 23. In contrast, Rolando Pablos has held positions under Republican governors as Texas Secretary of State and Public Utility Commissioner. Both candidates were frontrunners in a competitive field where initially 27 individuals sought to fill the mayoral seat, which has remained open since 2009.
In her campaign, Ortiz Jones positioned the mayor’s office as a vital platform to counteract far-right legislative actions within the state. This election signifies both a symbolic and tangible moment for the city, especially as it allows for a more extended initial term in the mayor’s office. Not only does this reflect a deeper engagement from the community in the election process, but it also showcases a growing trend of support for candidates who advocate for progressive policies in the state.
As the newly elected mayor, Ortiz Jones will oversee a city council including new faces across several districts, further emphasizing the fresh start that her election represents. The San Antonio mayoral elections are expected to influence broader political dynamics in Texas, making her victory particularly noteworthy among political analysts and community leaders alike.
With this win, Ortiz Jones will lead San Antonio as it navigates the complexities of urban governance and growing citizen engagement, marking the beginning of her term with increasing optimism from her supporters.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Gina Ortiz Jones
- KENS5 News
- Google Search: San Antonio Mayor Election 2025
- Express News
- Google Scholar: San Antonio City Council Elections
- Axios News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Elections
- SA Current News
- Google News: Gina Ortiz Jones San Antonio Mayor
