News Summary
As San Antonio prepares for its mayoral election on May 3, 2025, a University of Texas at San Antonio poll highlights that many voters are struggling to recognize the candidates. With an open field and no incumbent, candidates like Gina Ortiz Jones and John Courage are vying for attention while a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided. Fundraising efforts are underway as candidates seek to enhance their visibility. Analysts predict a possible runoff election due to the low support levels across the board.
San Antonio Mayoral Race: Candidates Struggle for Recognition Ahead of Election
With the San Antonio mayoral election fast approaching on May 3, 2025, voters are gearing up to choose their next leader. However, an intriguing poll conducted by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) reveals that many residents are still getting familiar with the candidates. This election is particularly noteworthy as we see an array of contenders, with no incumbent in sight, ready to vie for the position currently held by Ron Nirenberg, who is stepping down after two terms.
Who’s in the Running?
The pool of candidates features some recognizable names, though many voters admit to having a tough time placing them. Leading the pack is Gina Ortiz Jones with a modest 9.3% support in the UTSA poll. Right on her heels is John Courage from District 9, who has garnered 7.9%, closely followed by Manny Pelaez of District 8 with 5.5% support. Other candidates, including Melissa Cabello Havrda and Adriana Rocha Garcia, hold 3.9% and 3.3% support, respectively. Former District 10 Council Member Clayton Perry is not too far behind either at 3.2%.
The New Faces
Interestingly, the three main candidates who are not currently serving on the City Council—Beto Altamirano, Gina Ortiz Jones, and Rolando Pablos—are aiming to capitalize on the open landscape of this election. However, they’re facing an uphill battle with Altamirano landing in fifth place and Pablos trailing at less than 1%. Notably, the last mayor elected without prior City Council experience was Phil Hardberger, way back in 2005. Can these newcomers shake things up?
Voter Sentiment
One striking statistic from the poll reveals that 35% of voters are currently undecided. Even more concerning for candidates is that 20.5% of respondents admit to being unfamiliar with any of the candidates running. This lack of recognition essentially turns the race into a blank canvas, suggesting that the high number of undecided voters means that anyone could emerge as a surprising frontrunner if they manage to capture the public’s attention.
Fundraising Efforts
Considering the race is wide open, candidates are also busy engaging in fundraising to support their campaigns. Rolando Pablos leads with a total of $153,000 raised, followed by Gina Ortiz Jones with $139,000, and Beto Altamirano at nearly $133,000. This financial backing will be crucial as the candidates work to increase their visibility through various outreach strategies and public appearances.
What’s Next?
As we inch closer to election day, candidates will need to develop crafters strategies that amplify their public presence, making it clear who they are and what they stand for. Previous elections without an incumbent have typically witnessed heightened engagement, and this trend seems poised to continue, giving each candidate the chance to resonate with the electorate.
Predicting a Runoff?
Given the findings from the UTSA poll, many analysts speculate that we may very well see a runoff election. With no candidate exceeding the 50% mark in this poll, a runoff is likely needed to determine who will ultimately claim the title of San Antonio’s next mayor.
As we glide toward May 3, 2025, the excitement in San Antonio is palpable. Voters have a unique opportunity to influence change as they sift through these candidates, some fresh faces, and others more familiar. As the race heats up, it will be fascinating to see who rises to the occasion and captures the hearts and minds of the city!
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: Former Councilman Clayton Perry Running for Mayor
- San Antonio Express-News: Mayoral Candidates 2025
- Axios: UTSA Poll on Mayoral Election Candidates
- Google Search: San Antonio Mayoral Race
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
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.
