Gina Ortiz Jones makes history as first Filipina mayor of San Antonio, Texas

Gina Ortiz Jones | Photo from Facebook/KSAT

NEW YORK — In a fitting moment during Pride Month, Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected mayor of San Antonio, Texas, making history as both the city’s first Filipina American and openly gay mayor.

Jones, a former undersecretary of the Air Force and a Biden administration official, won the runoff election against former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos.

According to unofficial results from Bexar County, Jones secured 53.9 percent of the vote, with 67,923 ballots cast in her favor, while Pablos received 57,985 votes. Voter turnout reached 17 percent, with more than 143,000 residents participating.

“This victory is a testament to the vision we put forward – a vision of getting things done while treating people with dignity, respect, and compassion,” Jones told supporters at her campaign headquarters on Saturday night. “We are not done. We are so proud of the vision we have put forward.”

Photo from Facebook/KSAT

Jones is the daughter of a Filipina immigrant from Pangasinan. She grew up in San Antonio, attending John Jay High School before earning an Air Force ROTC scholarship to Boston University. Her military career included service as an intelligence officer in Iraq, and she later managed a $173 billion budget and 600,000 personnel as undersecretary of the Air Force.

Her campaign focused on issues such as affordable housing, expanding access to childcare, and improving educational opportunities. The 44-year-old new mayor emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address the interconnected challenges facing San Antonio families, including housing insecurity, which affects an estimated 95,000 families each month.

Gina addresses voters hours before the election polls open. Photo from team.goj/instagram

The runoff was the first mayoral election since San Antonio voters approved a four-year term for the office. Outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who served since 2017, was term-limited and did not endorse a candidate in the race.

Jones’s win reflects San Antonio’s growing diversity and progressive values. Her campaign drew national attention and significant campaign spending, with nearly $1.7 million invested in the race, according to city records. 

Gina thanking supporters at her campaign headquarters in San Antonio. Photo from Facebook/MySat

Jones’ historic win was celebrated by the local Filipino American community and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

As she prepares to take office, Jones faces challenges, such as projected budget deficits and the need to build consensus within the city council. Voters will have the opportunity to assess her leadership at the conclusion of her four-year term in 2029.