The former San Antonio mayor announced his campaign at a Saturday gathering at Backyard on Broadway.
SAN ANTONIO — Ron Nirenberg has officially announced his campaign for Bexar County judge on Saturday, launching his campaign for the Commissioners Court less than six months after leaving San Antonio City Hall, which he led for eight years.
“Even with all that we’ve accomplished over the last eight years, there are still important issues facing this region,” said Nirenberg.
Those years were spent establishing a city workforce development program, shepherding the community through a pandemic, and helping create the early blueprints of a downtown sports and entertainment district. Now he’ll be looking to snag the county judge seat from Peter Sakai, who is seeking a second term in 2026.
“We stared down a global pandemic together,” he said. “We expanded Pre-K 4 SA. We developed our first-ever mass transit lines. We are doubling the size of our airport. This was work we achieved together… With the approval of voters and without raising taxes.”
Speaking at Saturday’s gathering were city leaders who worked closely with the former mayor including District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.
“Ron led our city through some of the most challenging moments in modern history,” said McKee-Rodriguez, praising Nirenberg for his leadership during the pandemic. “His calm and steady communication helped our city navigate fear and uncertainty and he provided a calm and steady voice for many of our most vulnerable residents.”
Wolff also spoke highly of Nirenberg’s character and leadership capabilities.
“He’ll bring something no one else could bring,” Wolff said. “He is the man for the job.”
Nirenberg, who stumped for the Harris-Walz presidential ticket in 2024, is expected to run as a Democrat. That would put him on March primary collision course with Sakai.
“I am running to do things. I am running to change things. I am running to lead when we need it the most,” he continued. “This race is about the future of Bexar County.”
Nirenberg, who has been teaching at Trinity University as a professor in practice this fall, announced his campaign at a Saturday gathering at Backyard on Broadway. But there have been hints in recent weeks as to his political aspirations, culminating in his having appointed a campaign treasurer this week.
Per an October UTSA poll, just 37% of respondents said they approved of Sakai’s performance as county judge, down from 40% in April. That April survey put then-Mayor Nirenberg’s approval rating at 56%.
Thus far, county records show Nirenberg is the only person seeking the position of Bexar County judge who has appointed a campaign treasurer. Some of his final public addresses earlier this year underscored some of his potential focuses for the campaign trial, including the issue of poverty, downtown development and job creation.
“As always, you can just call me Ron,” Nirenberg concluded. “It’s time to get to work.”