Politically powerful public safety unions make early endorsements in Bexar County judge race

Peter Sakai gives a speech after his campaign’s victory party in 2022. Credit: Sanford Nowlin

Two of San Antonio area’s politically powerful public safety unions are making early endorsements in the race for Bexar County judge.

On Monday, both the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Union and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Bexar County (DSABC) threw their backing behind incumbent Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai.

In the case of the fire union, it’s not necessarily a surprise. The firefighters haven’t exactly been cozy with former Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who’s running against Sakai in the Democratic primary.

In 2015, the fire union rescinded its endorsement of then-District 8 councilman for his lack of support during contentious contract negotiations with the city. The firefighters would later endorse Nirenberg’s 2017 and 2019 mayoral opponents.

Fire union Legislative Director Javier Patlan told the Express-News that the group backed Sakai in 2022, adding that its endorsement doesn’t change unless “there’s some reason to rescind it.”

DSABC’s endorsement of Democrat Sakai may seem odd since the union previously backed the likes of Gov. Greg Abbott, State Rep. Marc LaHood and County Commissioner Grant Moody, the court’s lone Republican.

Union President Ron Tooke said the deputies’ support for Sakai stems from the judge’s joint City-County Public Safety Action Plan and Straight to the Streets program, which strengthened recruiting and retention for the Sheriff’s Office.

“Along with major investments in mental health and addiction treatment, we share a commitment to strengthening families and addressing the root causes of crime,” Tooke said in a statement. “I’m appreciative of their support, but even more grateful for the daily sacrifices they make to keep our families safe.”

It’s worth mentioning, however, that the union also is involved in active dispute with the county about its members’ employment contracts.

Meanwhile, Nirenberg has garnered endorsements of his own, including those of former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio.

The Democratic primary for Bexar County judge is March 3.

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Politically powerful public safety unions make early endorsements in Bexar County judge race

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