Former San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge primary

Nirenberg cruises to victory, will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the general election

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has won the Democratic primary for Bexar County judge, defeating incumbent Peter Sakai. Nirenberg is the clear favorite to win the general election in the deep blue Bexar County. As mayor, Nirenberg showed strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and tackled key issues like affordable housing, transit, and the airport expansion.

Why it matters

Nirenberg's victory puts him at the center of San Antonio's civic life once again. As Bexar County judge, he will have the opportunity to address major challenges facing the county, including issues with the county jail and healthcare gaps.

The details

In the Democratic primary, Nirenberg cruised to victory over Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. He will now face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the general election, which Nirenberg is expected to win handily given Bexar County's Democratic leanings. During his eight years as San Antonio mayor, Nirenberg demonstrated strong leadership on a range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic response, the city's affordable housing bond, VIA Metropolitan Transit funding, and the planned expansion of the San Antonio International Airport.

  • Nirenberg won the Democratic primary for Bexar County judge on March 3, 2026.
  • He will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the general election on November 5, 2026.

The players

Ron Nirenberg

Former mayor of San Antonio who won the Democratic primary for Bexar County judge.

Peter Sakai

Incumbent Bexar County judge who lost to Nirenberg in the Democratic primary.

Patrick Von Dohlen

Republican candidate who will face Nirenberg in the Bexar County judge general election.

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What’s next

Nirenberg will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the Bexar County judge general election on November 5, 2026.

The takeaway

Nirenberg's victory in the Democratic primary for Bexar County judge puts him in a strong position to continue his civic leadership in San Antonio, with the opportunity to address key challenges facing the county such as the jail system and healthcare gaps.