Justin Hamel via The Texas Tribune

Voting in local elections is more than a civic duty, it’s a powerful way to influence the policies and decisions that affect our daily lives. From the quality of local infrastructure and services to fostering programs that support working families and your future, you have a chance to directly put your vote to where your values stand. Let’s dive into one of the most important races this Saturday and don’t forget–everything you need to know to get to the polls including links to what you’re voting on is at GoVoteTexas.org. 

One of the hottest races in Texas

When we say it's heating up in Texas, we aren’t just getting ready for the Memorial Day Weekend pool party. As the San Antonio Report Voter Guide notes, “San Antonio’s city leadership is poised for a shakeup this year as voters elect a new mayor and all 10 seats on the city council have contested races.” Further, with Houston, Dallas, and even the Austin suburbs turning slightly purple or at least not as reliably blue as expected this past November, politicos have turned their attention to San Antonio. And with an anticipated mayoral run-off in the Alamo City, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for candidates up and down the ballot–those who can win and share your values.

As term-limited, progressive Mayor Ron Nirenberg leaves the post, a total of 27 candidates have filed for the office of San Antonio mayor. Leading the pack in a UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research poll is Air Force Veteran, former Under Secretary of the Air Force, as well as 2018 and 2020 Democratic Congressional nominee for the 23rd District, Gina Ortiz Jones. She’s running as the first openly LGBTQ+ San Antonio mayoral candidate and has assumed a war chest of campaign donations. 

KSAT 12 News via YouTube

Other left-of-center, top contenders (in polling order) include a Technology CEO, Beto Altamirano, current District 6 councilmember, small business owner, and Progress Texas Progressive Certified candidate, Melissa Cabello Havrda, and current District 4 councilmember, Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia. Progress Texas invited each of these candidates for Progressive Certification consideration as well as an interview–only Gina Ortiz Jones and Melissa Cabello Havrda answered our call. You can find links to their podcast interviews below. 

Local elections seed nationwide change

As you can probably tell, local elections don’t receive as many headlines as our November General Elections. That’s one reason there’s a growing movement to shift local elections to a uniform date with their better known November cousin. But don’t let this lack of coverage confuse you. Local school boards, city councils, and courts are peer-to-peer audiences where you can bring ideas, issues, or complaints, and their venues aren’t in far off places. History even compliments the argument that you can make a big difference in your neighborhood. 

As Texas Progressive Caucus President, Clayton Tucker, recently put it, “Whether it was the Farmers Alliance that exploded out of Lampasas to become a nationwide movement in the late 1800s, the New Dealers of the FDR era, or the folks who have had enough of today’s oligarchic antics and are marching in the streets… we will win so long as we stick together.” These movements and more–some starting in Texas–all started at the local level. 

CCC Company in Paris, Texas, 1936 via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

This really comes down to being a community advocate. So, as you might guess, I think it’s due time to dive into your city’s budget? That’s the document that serves the values of your household. And, why not meet the many young and first-time public servants at their start? You could be helping shape a future representative’s policy objectives. But whether you’re looking to change the course of history or just get the abandoned lot across the street cleaned up, there’s no better place to start than getting to know the candidates running and heading to the polls on Saturday, May 3rd. 

What’s next:

• Are you following the Progress Texas podcast network? Start by listening to San Antonio mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Melissa Cabello Havrda.
• Are the 2026 Midterm Election already on your mind? Listen to this guest podcast with 2022 Texas Attorney General candidate Joe Jaworski and newly-elected Chairman of the TDP, Kendall Scudder. 
• San Antonio–we are headed to the Alamo City on May 6th for a live podcast recording with outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Will you join us?