San Antonio’s May Election Takes Shape: Council Seats, Mayoral Race, and Bexar County Leadership Changes Ahead
After voters, in the past election, changed the length of terms in office, another election looms on the horizon, arriving this May.
Three of the current City Council representatives – Adriana Rocha Garcia (D4), Melissa Cabello Havrda (D6) and Manny Pelaez (D8), have each tossed their hats, into the race for Mayor. City Council candidates, vying for seats on the dais, will also have terms that last four years, rather than two, courtesy of the city’s voters, back in 2023, which were designed to give council members added time to learn the ropes, prior to having to jump back into campaign mode. Filing deadline, for the May 3rd election is February 14th, when the field will be set.
Here’s how the D1-D5 races are shaping up:
District 1:
Councilwoman Sukh Kaur entered her first race, in 2023, as a newcomer, defeating an incumbent to represent a district which includes most of downtown. She is an education consultant, who brought a business perspective and centrist approach, to the dias. The district now includes some neighborhoods that were part of D9.
Patty Gibbons – a former D9 member, is one of her challenges, citing concerns regarding the “city’s efforts to bring urban density too close to legacy neighborhoods”
Anita Marie Kegley – a professional home inspector, who has run for Congress, as a Republican, and leads a local Church and Politics political group.
Matthew Gauna – an Environmental Scientist who has run unsuccessfully for D1 in the past.
District 2:
Incumbent Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, was one of two candidates, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America,and elected to the Council, in 2021. He is known for being outspoken and having progressive views, and earned a speaking slot at the Texas Democratic Party Convention, in 2024. In 2023, McKee – Rodriguez drew nine challengers, but, was re-elected with 56% of the vote. Fewer opponents have signed up to run against him this year. Here’s those who are challenging the Councilman:
Sonya Moore – listed her profession as “unemployed.”
Stephanie Powell – An Air Force civilian employee.
Carla Joy Cisco – An Information Technology / Business relationship Manager.
Lizzie Thomas – The Dean of Empowerment and Culture at Essence Preparatory Public School.
Bryant Livingston, Sr. – Minister, focus will be on Quality of Life, public safety and restoring community values.
District 3:
Incumbent Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, first elected in 2021, succeeding her sister Rebecca Viagran, who has represented the district for the previous eight years. The Councilwoman chairs the city’s Audit Committee.
This far, the race has drawn only one challenger – Kendra Wilkerson,who is a teacher.
District 4:
Once Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia declared for the mayor’s race, longtime staffer Edward Mungia was among the early candidates thought to be her replacement.
Others interested in the post:
Ernesto Arrellano Jr. – current South San ISD Trustee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County Commissioner in Precinct 1, was also among the early comers.
In recent weeks, the following candidates have submitted treasurer’s reports and filed to appear on the ballot:
Johnathan Cruz – Principal at McNair Middle School.
Jose “Pepe” Martinez – owner of a trucking company.
District 5:
Incumbent Councilwoman Teri Castillo, was among the new progressive voices, elected in 2021, and was re-elected in 2023, with roughly 63% of the vote.
Challengers include:
Pablo Arriaga III, who is employed by the San Antonio Police Department.
Raymond Zavala – a retiree, who has previously ran unsuccessfully for Mayor.
The foregoing covers one-half of the seats in the ballot thus far. We will report on the remaining seats in our next article.
On another note:
Bexar County Still Searching for New Elections Administrator
The Observer spoke with Jim Lefke, Director of Communications for Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, regarding the search for a replacement for Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen. Lefke explained that the County has hired a third-party firm to handle the hiring process and is search is ongoing. With local elections approaching, Callanen has agreed to remain in her role until a successor is selected.
Once the search is completed, will keep our readers informed.
