San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg Seeks Bexar County Judge Role

Nirenberg's record of delivering on his vision for San Antonio seen as key asset for Bexar County

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ron Nirenberg, the former mayor of San Antonio, is running for Bexar County judge in the Democratic primary. During his eight years as mayor from 2017 to 2025, Nirenberg championed initiatives to make San Antonio more equitable through investments in affordable housing, workforce development, and public transit, while also protecting the Edwards Aquifer. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his ability to turn his vision into action have earned him high approval ratings. The Express-News Editorial Board is recommending Nirenberg for the Bexar County judge role, citing his clear vision and energy to move the county forward on key issues like the humanitarian crisis at the county jail, a new Spurs arena, and improving access to healthcare for the uninsured.

Why it matters

Bexar County could benefit from Nirenberg's proven track record of delivering on his vision and his ability to tackle complex challenges facing the region. As county judge, Nirenberg would have the opportunity to build on the progress made in San Antonio and apply his leadership skills to address critical issues at the county level, such as the jail crisis, affordable housing, and healthcare access.

The details

During his time as San Antonio mayor, Nirenberg shifted sales tax dollars from Edwards Aquifer protection to workforce development and public transit, while maintaining aquifer protection through the city's general fund. This allowed the city to invest in programs like Ready to Work, which has placed thousands of people, predominantly women of color, in jobs paying at least $15 an hour. As county judge, Nirenberg aims to leverage the county's public health authority, University Health, to improve access to essential medical care for uninsured residents.

  • Nirenberg served as San Antonio mayor from 2017 to 2025.
  • The Bexar County judge Democratic primary is taking place in 2026.

The players

Ron Nirenberg

The former mayor of San Antonio who is running for Bexar County judge in the Democratic primary. As mayor, he delivered on a vision to make San Antonio more equitable through investments in affordable housing, workforce development, and public transit.

Peter Sakai

The incumbent Bexar County judge who is being challenged by Nirenberg in the Democratic primary. Sakai has served as the 225th District Court judge, overseeing cases involving abused and neglected children.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in a county that has, again, one of the largest publicly funded hospital systems in the state, that no resident should be without essential medical care. I want to see that happen if we're going to break cycles of poverty.”

— Ron Nirenberg (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Bexar County judge Democratic primary election will take place in 2026, with the winner facing off against the Republican nominee in the general election.

The takeaway

Nirenberg's proven ability to turn his vision into action as San Antonio mayor, combined with his clear plans to address critical issues facing Bexar County, make him a strong candidate for the county judge role. His leadership could help the county make significant progress on challenges like the jail crisis, affordable housing, and healthcare access.