Gina Ortiz Jones Elected San Antonio Mayor

Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected as San Antonio’s first openly gay mayor and only the third woman to hold the position, defeating Rolando Pablos with 54% of the vote in the June 7 runoff. Jones, a former Under Secretary of the Air Force, campaigned on expanding Pre-K and broadband access while expressing caution about downtown spending. Her victory marks the first time since 2005 that the city will have a mayor who did not previously serve on the city council. The runoff also decided four city council seats, with incumbent Sukh Kaur facing Patty Gibbons in District 1. Robust voter turnout exceeded expectations, reflecting citizens’ engagement in shaping the city’s progressive trajectory. The results highlight San Antonio’s prioritization of inclusivity and progressive leadership amid broader political tensions.