Gina Ortiz Jones Makes History as San Antonio Elects Its First Openly Gay Mayor

A Landmark Victory for Equality and Progress

San Antonio has entered a new era of leadership with the election of Gina Ortiz Jones, who made history as the city’s first openly gay mayor and only the third woman to ever hold the office. Winning the runoff with 54% of the vote against Rolando Pablos’ 46%, Jones’ triumph marks a significant political and cultural moment for the heart of Texas.

A former Under Secretary of the Air Force and two-time congressional candidate, Jones ran a campaign rooted in progressive ideals, vowing to protect San Antonio’s values from political forces she views as divisive at the state and national level.

A Campaign Fueled by Community and Conviction

Jones’ path to victory wasn’t without challenges. Her campaign faced criticism for media silence following the general election and accusations of misconduct during a televised debate. Despite these setbacks, her ability to rally a broad coalition of voters proved decisive.

The candidate was backed by numerous progressive organizations that drove a strong get-out-the-vote effort, including veterans’ groups, grassroots organizers, and LGBTQ+ advocates. These groups helped bridge the financial gap between Jones’ campaign and that of her opponent, who benefited from heavy funding and support from a political action committee with ties to state leadership.

“San Antonio is about compassion and leading with everyone in mind,” Jones said during her victory speech, where she embraced her mother onstage, a heartfelt moment that underscored her historic win.

High Voter Turnout Defies Expectations

About 17% of registered voters in San Antonio cast their ballots in Saturday’s runoff election, a turnout that rivaled the city’s closely contested 2021 mayoral race. Many analysts had anticipated a far lower turnout, especially during the early voting phase.

Yet, Jones not only exceeded expectations in early voting but also held strong through Election Day — a surprising outcome given her opponent’s early campaign momentum.

Political observers noted that national issues may have played a role in energizing voters. Discontent over immigration policies and outrage over the suspected hate crime killing of actor Jonathan Joss may have galvanized support for Jones in the final days leading up to the election.

An Opponent Focused on Economics and Stability

Rolando Pablos, a former Texas Secretary of State and political figure with close ties to the governor, positioned himself as a pragmatic conservative focused on economic development and crime reduction. Despite distancing himself from culture war rhetoric, his affiliations may have limited his appeal in a predominantly Democratic city.

In his concession, Pablos remained gracious and vowed continued service to the community.

A New Chapter Begins for San Antonio

When Jones takes office on June 18, she will inherit both opportunities and major challenges. Chief among them is a looming $150 million budget shortfall, as well as growing controversy surrounding Project Marvel, a proposed downtown sports and entertainment district.

Jones has expressed caution about allocating public funds to the project, signaling a careful approach to fiscal priorities. Her broader goals include expanding early childhood education through Pre-K for SA and improving broadband infrastructure in underserved areas.

She will also be working alongside five new members on the city council, a dynamic that could bring fresh energy and new ideas to longstanding issues such as education inequality and persistent poverty in some neighborhoods.

A Symbol of Representation and Change

Gina Ortiz Jones’ election is more than a political win — it’s a reflection of a changing city and a broader shift toward inclusive leadership. Her campaign not only broke barriers but also sent a message about the power of unity, community, and conviction in shaping the future of one of Texas’ largest cities.

As she prepares to take the helm, San Antonio residents are watching closely to see how her leadership will help write the next chapter of the city's story.