Sakai and Nirenberg clash over East Side development plans

Former San Antonio mayor and current county judge spar over Project Marvel and the future of the Freeman Coliseum grounds

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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In a debate for the Bexar County judge race, former mayor Ron Nirenberg and current county judge Peter Sakai clashed over the future of the East Side neighborhood and the city's Project Marvel development plan. Sakai said he does not support Project Marvel, which includes a new downtown Spurs arena, while Nirenberg accused Sakai of being "disingenuous" after backing a ballot measure to help finance the arena. The two also debated the transparency of Sakai's Eastside Economic Development Advisory Council and how to shape the future of the county-owned Freeman Coliseum grounds.

Why it matters

The debate highlighted the political tensions over the future development of San Antonio's East Side neighborhood, which has long struggled with underinvestment. The outcome of the county judge race could significantly impact how these plans move forward, especially the role of the county-owned Freeman Coliseum grounds.

The details

Sakai said he does not support Project Marvel, the city's plan for a downtown sports and entertainment district anchored by a new Spurs arena. Nirenberg argued that Sakai cannot distance himself from the plan after backing a November ballot measure that will help finance the arena. The two also clashed over Sakai's Eastside Economic Development Advisory Council, with Nirenberg criticizing the group's lack of transparency and exclusion of elected East Side officials.

  • The debate took place on Friday night at the Second Baptist Community Center.
  • In November 2022, Proposition B, which devoted county tax dollars to building a new Spurs arena downtown, passed with just 52% of the vote.

The players

Peter Sakai

The current Bexar County judge who is running for re-election. He said he does not support the city's Project Marvel development plan.

Ron Nirenberg

The former four-term mayor of San Antonio who is running against Sakai for Bexar County judge. He accused Sakai of being "disingenuous" in his opposition to Project Marvel.

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

The City Council member for District 2, which includes part of the East Side neighborhood. Nirenberg criticized Sakai for not including him on the Eastside Economic Development Advisory Council.

Tommy Calvert

The Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 2, which includes the East Side. Nirenberg also criticized Sakai for not including Calvert on the advisory council.

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What they’re saying

“I do not support Project Marvel. It will do nothing for the East Side.”

— Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge (expressnews.com)

“He put it on the ballot.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (expressnews.com)

“We heard breaking news here tonight because this is the first time I've heard Judge Sakai say he is against Project Marvel.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The outcome of the Bexar County judge race between Sakai and Nirenberg could significantly impact the future development plans for the East Side neighborhood and the county-owned Freeman Coliseum grounds.

The takeaway

The debate highlighted the political divisions over the future of San Antonio's East Side, with the county judge race serving as a proxy battle over the city's ambitious Project Marvel development plan and the role of community input in shaping the area's future.