News Summary
Gina Ortiz Jones secured her position as San Antonio’s first openly LGBTQ+ mayor in a historic runoff election. Garnering 54.3% of the vote, Jones defeated Rolando Pablos, marking a significant change in local governance. With a commitment to compassion and community needs, Jones prepares to implement progressive policies, having attracted substantial financial backing during her campaign. This election not only represents a pivotal moment for the city but also emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership.
San Antonio has made history as Gina Ortiz Jones emerged victorious in the mayoral runoff election held on June 7, 2025. With 54.3% of the vote, Jones defeated her opponent, Rolando Pablos, who received 45.7%. This election marks a significant milestone, as Jones becomes the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor in the city’s history. She also holds the distinction of being the first candidate to win the mayoral office without prior City Council experience since Phil Hardberger in 2005.
Jones’s victory is particularly notable given the context of the election; voter turnout was approximately 17%, with more than 142,000 ballots cast. In her victory speech, Jones highlighted her commitment to leading with compassion and working to serve the needs of the community. After the results were clear, Rolando Pablos, who previously served as Texas Secretary of State, acknowledged the challenges of the campaign and conceded gracefully.
The upcoming term will be the first for a newly-elected mayor to serve a four-year term, a change instituted following a 2024 city charter amendment. Jones will be sworn in on June 18, 2025, succeeding Ron Nirenberg, who has served since 2017 and is term-limited from seeking re-election. This election marks the first open mayoral seat in San Antonio since 2009, creating a significant opportunity for change in local governance.
In the preceding general election held on May 3, the ballot was crowded with 27 candidates. However, Jones distinguished herself as the top vote-getter, securing 27% of the total votes. Her campaign focused on progressive policies and community engagement, and despite encountering controversy, including allegations of debate rule violations, Jones maintained her emphasis on compassion and inclusivity.
Financial backing played a crucial role in Jones’s success. Her campaign garnered over $260,000 from the Fields of Change PAC, along with additional support from local progressive organizations. She has positioned herself as a strong advocate for key issues affecting San Antonio, including public education and affordable housing. Jones aims to expand free Pre-K services, ensure protections for public education, and promote transparency regarding the city’s downtown development plans, specifically the initiative known as Project Marvel.
Rolando Pablos campaigned with a focus on community and economic rejuvenation, yet was unable to overcome Jones’s momentum. The final tally indicated a gap of over 12,000 votes between the two candidates, demonstrating a decisive victory for Jones. Pablos expressed his congratulations to Jones and acknowledged that the campaign presented significant hardships.
Gina Ortiz Jones’s victory in the San Antonio mayoral runoff not only marks a pivotal moment for the city but also resonates with broader discussions regarding representation and inclusivity within local governments. This election highlights the evolving political landscape in San Antonio as it embraces diverse leadership. As she prepares to take office, many will be watching closely to see how Jones implements her vision for a compassionate and engaged city.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Gina Ortiz Jones
- KSAT
- Google Search: San Antonio mayoral election 2025
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Scholar: Gina Ortiz Jones mayor
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio elections
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: Gina Ortiz Jones San Antonio mayor
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.
