Judge Sakai Reverses Support for Project Marvel, Citing Lack of East Side Benefits

Sakai's public opposition to the $4-5 billion downtown development project contradicts his earlier vote to put it on the ballot.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a surprising move, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai publicly reversed his support for the controversial Project Marvel development at a recent East Side candidate forum. Sakai, who had previously voted to place the multi-billion dollar sports and entertainment proposal on the ballot, told attendees that he never supported the project and saw no clear benefits for the East Side community. This contradictory stance drew a strong reaction from his opponent, former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who noted this was the first time he had heard Sakai express opposition to the project.

Why it matters

The San Antonio Observer and other organizations had urged voters, especially those on the East Side, to reject Project Marvel, citing decades of unfulfilled promises and lack of tangible benefits for the historically underserved community. Sakai's sudden reversal appears to validate those concerns and reinforces the East Side's long-standing skepticism about large downtown developments that rarely deliver on their pledges to uplift surrounding neighborhoods.

The details

Despite Sakai's new rhetoric against Project Marvel, the public record shows he voted in favor of placing the project's funding propositions on the ballot, a move that helped legitimize the proposal and push it toward potential voter approval. Sakai told the East Side forum that he saw no community benefit in the $4-5 billion project, which included plans for a new downtown hotel, land bridge, and removal of a SAWS chiller station. His opponent, Nirenberg, expressed surprise at Sakai's sudden change of position.

  • On February 9, 2026, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai publicly reversed his support for the Project Marvel development at an East Side candidate forum.
  • In a previous vote, Sakai had supported placing the Project Marvel funding propositions on the ballot.

The players

Peter Sakai

Bexar County Judge who previously voted to put the Project Marvel development on the ballot but has now publicly reversed his support, citing a lack of benefits for the East Side community.

Ron Nirenberg

Former San Antonio Mayor who expressed surprise at Sakai's sudden change of position on Project Marvel, noting this was the first time he had heard Sakai oppose the project.

The San Antonio Observer

A local media outlet that had urged voters, especially those on the East Side, to reject Project Marvel, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and lack of tangible benefits for the community.

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What they’re saying

“I did not support Project Marvel, it will do nothing for the East Side. Land Bridge? New hotel downtown? Remove the [SAWS] chiller station? A $4–$5 billion project? Where is the benefit to the equity of the East Side?”

— Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge (East Side candidate forum)

“I think we heard breaking news here tonight... because this is the first time I've heard Judge Sakai say he is against Project Marvel. He put it on the ballot.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (East Side candidate forum)

What’s next

The judge's reversal on Project Marvel raises questions about the future of the development proposal and whether East Side residents' long-standing concerns will be addressed.

The takeaway

Sakai's sudden opposition to Project Marvel, despite his previous vote to put it on the ballot, confirms the East Side community's skepticism about large downtown developments that promise benefits but rarely deliver. This reversal underscores the need for transparent, community-driven planning that prioritizes equitable development and tangible improvements for historically underserved neighborhoods.