News Summary
Gina Ortiz Jones has made history by becoming the first openly gay mayor of San Antonio, securing 54.3% of the vote in a runoff election against Rolando Pablos. This election, significant for Latino sentiment, marks a pivotal shift in the city’s political landscape. Jones, who previously served as Under Secretary of the Air Force, ran a campaign focused on compassion and unity, contrasting divisive political ideologies. With a commitment to inclusivity, she aims to lead San Antonio into a new chapter of progressive ideals, following her predecessor Ron Nirenberg.
Change is Here: Gina Ortiz Jones Makes History in San Antonio!
San Antonio’s political landscape has taken a monumental leap as Gina Ortiz Jones has just won the runoff election to become the first openly gay mayor of the seventh-largest city in the United States! On June 7, 2025, this remarkable Filipino American and former Under Secretary of the Air Force faced off against Rolando Pablos, securing an impressive 54.3% of the vote.
A Tight Race with Big Stakes
In the runoff, Pablos, an established conservative figure and former Texas Secretary of State, received 45.7% of the votes. This election was not just about winning; it was a significant test of Latino sentiment in the area. With the backdrop of a recent shift in Hispanic voters during the 2024 election, this race drew considerable attention.
A Shift in Leadership
Jones, who has been gaining traction in the political world, previously led the first election round on May 3, 2025, where she managed to grab 27% of the votes, edging past Pablos, who only captured 17%. This allows her to succeed Ron Nirenberg, the outgoing mayor who served since 2017 but was term-limited.
Breaking the Mold
This election marks the first open mayoral seat in San Antonio since the election of Julian Castro back in 2009. After a charter amendment in 2024, the city council term limits changed from four two-year terms to two four-year terms, allowing Jones to step into a significant leadership position for four years.
Voter Engagement: A Mixed Bag
Voter turnout for this crucial election was about 17%, with approximately 143,017 ballots cast during early voting and on election day. While this turnout may appear modest, it still showcases the engagement of San Antonio’s residents in the democratic process.
A Campaign for Compassion and Unity
Gina Ortiz Jones ran a campaign strongly focused on themes of compassion and unity, providing a stark contrast to the often divisive policies promoted by right-wing politicians. Following her success, she emphasized her intent to serve all constituents, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity in decision-making.
Support and Challenges Along the Way
Jones’ campaign enjoyed robust financial backing, raising around $260,000 from local progressive organizations and the Texas Democratic Party. Despite the financial support, she faced challenges, including previous unsuccessful attempts to win a seat in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District in both 2018 and 2020.
Moving Forward
In a gracious concession on election night, Pablos recognized the difficulty of the race and extended his gratitude to his supportive network. Meanwhile, Gina Ortiz Jones stands at the helm, ready to lead San Antonio into a new chapter marked by inclusivity and progressive ideals.
The Road Ahead
As Jones prepares to take on the responsibilities of her new role, she carries the hopes and expectations of many, eager to bring about positive change in a city known for its vibrant culture and rich diversity. With her election, many are optimistic about what the next four years will bring to San Antonio, under her leadership and vision for unity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Gina Ortiz Jones
- KSAT
- Google Search: San Antonio mayor election 2025
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KENS 5
- Google News: Gina Ortiz Jones
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Gina Ortiz Jones
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox 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 Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
