The upcoming debate between County Judge Peter Sakai and former Mayor Ron Nirenberg is a pivotal moment for Bexar County’s future.
SAN ANTONIO — It is less than one month until the Texas primary election and a race on the ballot could shape Bexar County’s future.
County Judge Peter Sakai and former Mayor Ron Nirenberg will face each other Tuesday night in their first debate as Democratic candidates in the primary. The debate is hosted by the Greater San Antonio Chamber, the San Antonio Report and Tech Bloc.
Judge Peter Sakai was elected in November of 2022, after longtime County Judge Nelson Wolff retired. The current Bexar County judge is prioritizing healthcare, food insecurity and housing, saying they are immediate issues impacting Bexar County residents the most. He says he would like a “back to basics” approach to the government.
Meanwhile, Ron Nirenberg, who served as San Antonio’s mayor for eight years, finds the County Judge role similar to his role as mayor. He wants to bring collaboration between the city and the county, and wants to maximize resources and get rid of programs that he says wastes taxpayer money.
The debate comes as the city and county move forward with Project Marvel, the plan to being a Spurs stadium downtown, as well as redevelop the Frost Bank Center after the basketball team vacates its residency there. Both candidates were instrumental in planning and getting funding for the project.
The debate starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at the Stable Hall at the Pearl. The candidates will be asked about courts, jails, elections, public safety, and redeveloping the Frost Bank Center area.
The primary election in Texas is March 3. The winner of the Democratic Primary will face off with Republican challenger Patrick Von Dohlen in November.