The race to become San Antonio’s next mayor is heading to a runoff between Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos, following a crowded general election where no candidate secured a majority. Ortiz Jones, a former Under Secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, led the initial vote with 27.2%, while Pablos, a former Texas Secretary of State under Governor Greg Abbott, garnered 16.6%
This election marks a departure from tradition, as both candidates are political outsiders with no prior City Council experience. The runoff is scheduled for June 7, 2025, with early voting set to begin on May 27
Key issues at stake include the negotiation of a potential downtown Spurs arena, infrastructure maintenance, public safety, police union negotiations, and preparing for potential economic challenges
Bexar County Deputy Charged with Murder in Inmate’s Death
A Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Clemente Lopez Jr., has been charged with murder following the death of inmate Francisco Bazan. Investigators allege that Lopez intentionally opened Bazan’s cell door, allowing multiple inmates to enter and violently assault him. Bazan was found unresponsive in his cell around 2:45 a.m. on Wednesday and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Lopez, who had been employed with the sheriff’s office since August 17, 2023, was assigned to the detention division. He was immediately taken into custody after submitting his resignation. The Texas Rangers are leading the criminal investigation, while a separate administrative investigation is being conducted by the BCSO Internal Affairs Unit .
🔫 Early Morning Shooting at San Antonio Bar
In the early hours of Friday, May 2, 2025, a bar brawl at Stout House, located on Potranco Road in San Antonio’s West Side, escalated into a fatal shooting. According to the San Antonio Police Department, a 33-year-old man was shot in the head and later died at a hospital foing an altercation involving two groups. The man and his companions retrieved firearms from their vehicles during the confrontation. He discharged a weapon at the scene, prompting a 24-year-old security guard to return fire, fatally wounding him .
Another individual involved in the incident was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck in the head with a bottle. The security guard was detained for questioning and later released; his identity and any potential charges have not been disclosed. The incident remains under investigation
These events underscore the dynamic and, at times, turbulent nature of San Antonio’s current affairs. As the city approaches the mayoral runoff and continues to address public safety concerns, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the democratic process.