Ron Nirenberg finally announces bid for Bexar County judge

Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg speaks during a launch party for his campaign to serve as Bexar County judge. Credit: Michael Karlis

In a move that shocked no one, former San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg at a crowded Saturday rally finally confirmed he’s running for Bexar County judge.

“Five months ago, I walked out of the mayor’s office for the last time,” Nirenberg said at the event at the Backyard on Broadway. “Since then, I’ve heard a lot of rumors about my political future. As you’ve heard, my North Star has always been the people of this community and the work that needs to be done right here.”

The formal announcement came after weeks of speculation about the former mayor’s political next step. While early rumors circulated that he might run for governor, sources familiar with the plans more recently said his sights were on the county’s top office.

In his speech, Nirenberg advocated for stronger and more coherent shared policy objectives between the city and county. Echoing his agenda as mayor, he identified education, affordable housing and job training as key issues facing the community.

Nirenberg also emphasized that he would cut redundant programs that leave the city and county fighting for the same public dollars.

“The power of local government isn’t what we can do alone,” Nirenberg said. “It’s how we can collaborate to improve people’s lives. The cities and the county work best when they work together. But right now, they’re too often going in opposite directions — and redundant efforts, as we’ve seen all over this country, have consequences.”

Nirenberg will face off against incumbent Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in the Democratic primary.

Sakai isn’t thrilled at the prospect of campaigning against Nirenberg, who left City Hall with a notably high approval rating. The former mayor also has significant name recognition compared to Sakai, a former family court judge who’s yet to finish his first term leading the county.

In a Facebook post earlier this month, Sakai expressed dismay over Nirenberg’s then-rumored run.

“Considering the challenges we face, it’s disappointing that some would rather start fights within our Democratic party rather than work together to lift up our community,” Sakai wrote.

Sakai again took aim at Nirenberg during a San Antonio-focused panel at Friday’s Texas Tribune Festival.

“Let me make this clear and concise: this race for county judge is not about Ron Nirenberg. It’s about me,” Sakai said. “I am County Judge Peter Sakai, and I’m the incumbent. So, I’m going to ask the voters to grade me.”

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai speaks to reporters at the 2025 Texas Tribune Festival. Credit: Michael Karlis

Sakai appears to have an early edge over Nirenberg in fundraising. The incumbent had about $435,000 in his campaign account as of July, while Nirenberg had just a few thousand in his coffers.

Even so, Nirenberg goes into the race with the support of District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer and Former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, all of whom gave speeches during the campaign launch.

“This morning, the clouds covered all the sky, and as Ron made his way here, the clouds broke open,” Wolff told the crowd. “The sun followed him, and if he goes into this office, he’ll open up the doors, bring in fresh air and bring light to the room. He is the man for the job.”

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Ron Nirenberg finally announces bid for Bexar County judge

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