District 6 City Council Race in San Antonio: Candidate Overview
The upcoming election for San Antonio’s City Council District 6 is drawing significant interest, with eight candidates emerging to compete for the seat currently held by Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, who is campaigning for mayor instead of seeking reelection.
Election Details
Early voting is set to run from April 22 to April 29, leading up to the election day on May 3. Should no candidate secure over 50% of the vote, a runoff between the top two candidates will occur on June 7.
Candidate Profiles
Younger Candidates and Activists
The candidate field features young, activist-oriented individuals:
- Kelly Ann Gonzalez, 34, a labor organizer, has earned the endorsement of Cabello Havrda. Motivated by personal loss, Gonzalez aims to enhance mental health services and affordable housing options in District 6. She has raised over $17,000 to support her campaign.
- Ric Galvan, 24, a project manager for District 5 and endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, advocates for increased housing access and community involvement in development discussions.
- Lawson Alaniz-Picasso, 32, has a background in marketing and public service, focusing on helping constituents through lived experience during challenging times. She has faced questions regarding her residency in the district.
Experienced City Hall Veterans
Two seasoned candidates highlight their extensive experience in local governance:
- Vanessa Chavez, 53, brings three decades of public service, emphasizing the importance of understanding municipal budgeting and engagement with underrepresented residents.
- Gerald Lopez, 56, previously chief of staff for former District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez, aims to leverage his connections for education reform and collaboration with various educational institutions.
Longstanding Federal Employees
Two candidates with federal government backgrounds are also in the race:
- Bobby Herrera, 69, a former District 6 representative with past roles in federal government, critiques other candidates’ financial proposals while calling for a focus on safety in the community.
- Carlos Antonio Raymond, 76, focuses on advocating for federal workforce protections based on his extensive experience in various government agencies.
Community and Accountability Focus
Chris Baecker, 53, is a local educator and activist for transparency in city governance. His experience with InfuseSA aims to hold City Hall accountable while advocating for citizens’ rights against governmental overreach.
Community Engagement and Debate
All candidates participated in a recent debate organized by the San Antonio Report, showcasing their visions and approaches for the district. Future discussions and campaign engagements will further clarify their proposals to the electorate.
Conclusion
The race for District 6 illustrates a diverse array of perspectives, from progressive activists to established city officials, all vying to influence San Antonio’s future. Voter participation will be crucial in determining who will lead this vibrant community for the coming years.
For more details on each candidate’s positions, watch the full debate here.
