San Antonio Prepares for Mayoral Election and Potential Runoffs
As the May 3 municipal election approaches, San Antonio is gearing up for what could be a historic mayoral race. With a total of twenty-seven candidates vying for the mayoral position, the election is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 2009 that there is no incumbent on the ballot. Current Mayor Ron Nirenberg is term-limited and unable to run for reelection.
Getting to Know the Candidates
The crowded field suggests that capturing the required 50% of the vote for an outright win is unlikely. Consequently, the top two candidates will probably face off in a runoff election scheduled for June 7. A decisive winner will typically emerge on the night of the runoff unless the results are exceptionally close.
City Council Races Add Complexity
The mayoral election is not the only point of interest; every one of San Antonio’s ten City Council districts has contested races, bringing the total number of candidates across these contests to fifty-nine. These races, too, may lead to runoff elections, further intensifying the municipal voting atmosphere.
Historical Context
The last mayoral runoff in San Antonio occurred in 2019 and involved a considerably different political climate. Mayor Nirenberg, running for his second term, garnered 49% of the vote initially but did not meet the 50% threshold, leading to a runoff with challenger Greg Brockhouse. That contest attracted significant attention and resources, ultimately seeing Nirenberg victorious with 51% in the runoff.
Key Dates for Voters
Important dates for voters include April 3 as the last day to register for the upcoming election, with early voting set to take place from April 22 to April 29. A variety of 46 early voting locations will be available across the city, with hours varying by site.
Runoff Voting Information
If a runoff is necessary, the last date to register for that election will be May 8, with applications for mail-in ballots due by May 27. Voters are not required to have participated in the first election to cast a ballot in the runoff. Early voting for the runoff would take place from May 27 to June 3.
Candidate Debates and Forums
Voter engagement will be bolstered by several candidate forums and debates leading up to the election. Notably, a mayoral debate hosted by the San Antonio Report in collaboration with the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce will take place on April 8 at 5 p.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center, while additional forums for specific districts are scheduled throughout April.
Getting Informed
For those looking to familiarize themselves with the candidates, the San Antonio Report has compiled a voter guide that includes significant dates, candidate profiles, and information on education board elections. Voters can also access sample ballots on the Bexar County Elections website.
If you’re unsure of your City Council district, you can find that information here. Voter registration status and additional voting resources are also available on the Bexar County Elections Department’s site.
