In a historic victory, Air Force veteran Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected mayor of San Antonio, becoming the city's first out LGBTQ+ leader and only the third woman ever to hold the office.
Jones defeated conservative candidate Rolando Pablos in a runoff election Saturday. Speaking to supporters, she said, "Decency was on the ballot, kindness was on the ballot, and San Antonio showed up and showed out." She promised to be "a mayor for all."
The race was marked by sharp exchanges. Pablos, closely aligned with Governor Greg Abbott, accused Jones of using her last name to appeal to Latino voters, despite her Filipino heritage. Jones called the remarks racist and reaffirmed her pride in her identity.
A former Under Secretary of the Air Force and Iraq War veteran, Jones highlighted leadership and inclusivity throughout her campaign. She brought a transgender Air Force drill instructor on stage, denouncing the administration's anti-trans policies.
Jones, who grew up in San Antonio in a single-parent household, says tackling poverty and leading with compassion will be top priorities.
