{"id":51703,"date":"2025-11-16T09:49:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T09:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/51703\/"},"modified":"2025-11-16T09:49:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T09:49:29","slug":"ron-nirenberg-finally-announces-bid-for-bexar-county-judge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/51703\/","title":{"rendered":"Ron Nirenberg finally announces bid for Bexar County judge"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg speaks during a launch party for his campaign to serve as Bexar County judge. Credit: Michael Karlis<\/p>\n

In a move that shocked no one, former San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg at a crowded Saturday rally finally confirmed he\u2019s running for Bexar County judge.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive months ago, I walked out of the mayor\u2019s office for the last time,\u201d Nirenberg said at the event at the Backyard on Broadway. \u201cSince then, I\u2019ve heard a lot of rumors about my political future. As you\u2019ve heard, my North Star has always been the people of this community and the work that needs to be done right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The formal announcement came after weeks of speculation about the former mayor\u2019s 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\u2019s top office. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Nirenberg also emphasized that he would cut redundant programs that leave the city and county fighting for the same public dollars.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe power of local government isn\u2019t what we can do alone,\u201d Nirenberg said. \u201cIt\u2019s how we can collaborate to improve people\u2019s lives. The cities and the county work best when they work together. But right now, they\u2019re too often going in opposite directions \u2014\u00a0and redundant efforts, as we\u2019ve seen all over this country, have consequences.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nirenberg will face off against incumbent Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in the Democratic primary. <\/p>\n

Sakai isn\u2019t 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\u2019s yet to finish his first term leading the county. <\/p>\n

In a Facebook post<\/a> earlier this month, Sakai expressed dismay over Nirenberg\u2019s then-rumored run.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering the challenges we face, it\u2019s disappointing that some would rather start fights within our Democratic party rather than work together to lift up our community,\u201d Sakai wrote. <\/p>\n

Sakai again took aim at Nirenberg during a San Antonio-focused panel at Friday\u2019s Texas Tribune Festival.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me make this clear and concise: this race for county judge is not about Ron Nirenberg. It\u2019s about me,\u201d Sakai said. \u201cI am County Judge Peter Sakai, and I\u2019m the incumbent. So, I\u2019m going to ask the voters to grade me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai speaks to reporters at the 2025 Texas Tribune Festival. Credit: Michael Karlis<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis morning, the clouds covered all the sky, and as Ron made his way here, the clouds broke open,\u201d Wolff told the crowd. \u201cThe sun followed him, and if he goes into this office, he\u2019ll open up the doors, bring in fresh air and bring light to the room. He is the man for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Bexar\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Considering the challenges we face, it\u2019s disappointing that some would rather start fights within our Democratic party than work together to lift up our community,\u2019 Sakai said.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Sources:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tNirenberg reportedly will officially announce his candidacy after the Nov. 4 election. \t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Ron\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018I was born Ron, I was Ron while I was in office and I\u2019m Ron now,\u2019 the former mayor said.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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