News Summary
In a heated mayoral debate in San Antonio, Rolando Pablos accused Gina Ortiz Jones of cellphone cheating, raising serious questions about the election’s integrity. The incident escalated as evidence showed her handling a phone despite a prohibition on cellphones. Pablos claimed all candidates should respond to queries without assistance, while Ortiz Jones defended her actions, asserting she did not use her phone during the debate. The controversy highlights the tense atmosphere leading up to the mayoral runoff election scheduled for June.
San Antonio, Texas – During a recent mayoral debate, Rolando Pablos accused his opponent, Gina Ortiz Jones, of cellphone cheating, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The debate was held on Thursday morning at KWEX-TV, the Univision affiliate in San Antonio and was intended to provide voters with critical information regarding the candidates’ positions.
The debate was structured with clear rules agreed upon by both candidates, one of which explicitly prohibited the use of cellphones during the forum. However, evidence surfaced showing Ortiz Jones in possession of her phone while referencing a mayoral questionnaire from the San Antonio Express-News. Footage recorded during the debate captured her holding the device as she responded to questions, with a cellphone also placed on her podium throughout the session.
Pablos’ campaign team was quick to react, with campaign manager Justin Hollis emphasizing that all candidates should be equipped to address questions without needing supplemental notes or external assistance. The rising tension during the debate culminated in Pablos directly interrupting Ortiz Jones to question her about her phone use, resulting in a suspension of the debate for over a minute.
As the situation unfolded, a production staff member intervened and retrieved Ortiz Jones’ phone. The Pablos campaign later released footage that allegedly demonstrated Ortiz Jones holding her phone as well as her campaign manager, Jordan Abelson, appearing to text during the discussion. Reports indicated that Ortiz Jones and Abelson initially refused to disclose their devices when approached by KWEX staff, leading to further scrutiny of their conduct.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that Ortiz Jones and Abelson were later seen entering a conference room with staff from KWEX management, hinting at a closed-door exchange about the incident. In the aftermath, Ortiz Jones stated that she had sent her candidate the necessary screenshots from the questionnaire a day prior and maintained that she did not use her phone during the debate itself. Abelson backed this claim by producing screenshots showcasing texts sent to Ortiz Jones both before and after the debate.
In response to these events, Hollis accused the Ortiz Jones campaign of evading the media and lacking transparency during the election process. Pablos labeled Ortiz Jones a “cheater,” adding weight to the accusations that emerged from the debate. Meanwhile, Abelson contended that the allegations were merely an attempt by Pablos to divert attention away from his debate performance.
Despite the controversy, the debate, partially recorded in both Spanish and English, was initially intended for later airings on YouTube and television. However, it was broadcast on Friday afternoon, a day later than planned. This debate is a part of an intense campaign leading up to the San Antonio mayoral runoff election scheduled for June 7, with early voting set to commence on May 27.
A second debate between Pablos and Ortiz Jones is planned for May 21, hosted by KSAT and Trinity University, where they are expected to continue discussing pressing issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and Project Marvel. This election is significant for the city as it marks a return to four-year terms for San Antonio’s mayor, making it imperative for voters to stay informed about their choices.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT Investigates
- Wikipedia: San Antonio mayoral election
- KENS 5
- Google Search: Gina Ortiz Jones debate
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Rolando Pablos mayor
- KTSA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rolando Pablos
- KSAT
- Google News: San Antonio mayoral debate
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.
