San Antonio voters chose Gina Ortiz Jones as their next mayor in a runoff election June 7. The two-time Democratic congressional candidate bested former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos in an often bitter battle that began with a crowded 27-candidate field.

After none of the mayoral candidates reached the 50-percent threshold for election during the low-turnout May 3 general, Ortiz Jones and Pablos headed to a runoff marked by unusual partisan rancor. With a 17-percent voter turnout, Ortiz Jones nabbed 54 percent of the vote to Pablos’ 46 percent.

Ortiz Jones grew up in San Antonio as the first-generation American daughter of a single mother. After graduating from John Jay High School in 1999, she went on to serve in the United States Air Force. After two unsuccessful bids for Texas Congress, she was named the Under Secretary of the Air Force by the Biden administration.

The San Antonio mayoral election marked a historic moment for the city. Ortiz Jones is only the third woman and the first openly LGBT-plus person to hold the office. She enlisted in the Air Force under the notorious “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy enacted during Bill Clinton's presidential term.

Although she didn’t run explicitly on LGBT-plus issues, her candidacy was boosted in part by that community. After declaring victory at Dakota East Side Ice House, Ortiz Jones headed out to celebrate at Sparky’s Pub in San Antonio’s newly designated Pride Cultural Heritage District.

“It might have been Gina Ortiz Jones on the ballot, but on the ballot was decency. And kindness. And compassion,” she told a lively crowd at the Tobin Hill gay bar.

Pablos congratulated the mayor-elect in a brief concession speech that avoided the contentiousness of the campaign.

“We tried,” said Pablos. “I want to thank everybody for all your support. This was a very tough race, and I am just happy that everyone came together for this community.”

In addition to electing a mayor, San Antonians also decided several City Council races. The winners will serve new four-year terms, decided by voters in November 2024.

• District 1: Sukh Kaur (65 percent)
• District 6: Ric Galvan (50 percent)
• District 8: Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (57 percent)
• Distinct 9: Misty Spears (57 percent)

In a razor-thin victory, District 6’s Galvan defeated Kelly Ann Gonzalez by a mere 25 votes, It’s unclear whether she will ask for a recount.