San Antonio, Texas—Gina Ortiz Jones has emerged as the new mayor of San Antonio, marking a significant moment in the city’s political landscape. A native of the West Side and a graduate of John Jay High School, Jones, 44, secured her victory by defeating Rolando Pablos with 54% of the vote in a high-stakes runoff that underscored the deepening partisan divides within local politics.

Jones’s triumph in Saturday’s runoff follows her strong showing in the first round of the mayoral election, where she led a diverse field of 27 candidates. Despite facing nearly $1 million in attack ads from Pablos and his Republican supporters, her campaign focused on themes of compassion and dignity, resonating with voters across the city.

In a celebratory atmosphere at Dakota East Side Ice House, Jones expressed her pride in the positive tone of her campaign, particularly amid a political environment often filled with discord. “It’s heartening to see where we are right now,” she remarked shortly after the early results were announced, emphasizing the importance of compassion in the city’s identity.

Pablos, closely aligned with Texas Republican leadership, found himself surprised by the electoral outcome, admitting that the conservative support he expected from Northside voters did not materialize. “The fact is that San Antonio continues to be a blue city,” he stated, acknowledging the race’s partisan dynamics.

The significance of Jones’s victory is heightened by recent changes to local election rules, which now allow mayors and city council members to serve four-year terms. This shift is seen as a pivotal development in San Antonio’s political landscape, giving elected officials greater stability and opportunity for strategic governance.

Jones, who previously served as Air Force Under Secretary in the Biden administration, faced challenges in her earlier congressional runs, narrowly losing in highly competitive districts. Her recent victory signals a resurgence of support from the Democratic base, further solidified by backing from various political action committees.

Supporting her campaign were notable figures, including local activists and former Mayor Julián Castro, who highlighted the growing influence of progressive politics in the city. With San Antonio remaining predominantly blue while the Republican presence dwindles, Jones’s election is a clear indicator of evolving voter sentiments in the community.

While Pablos ran a campaign marked by personal attacks, including downplaying Jones’s heritage, her background as a member of the LGBTQ community and her commitment to addressing poverty resonated deeply with voters. Jones’s campaign focused on safeguarding vulnerable populations and challenged extravagant large-scale development projects, emphasizing instead the need for investment in education and affordable housing.

Even with the challenges from Pablos, Jones remained steadfast in her vision for the city, grounded in her personal experiences that shaped her understanding of community needs. As San Antonio’s first openly LGBTQ mayor, her election marks a progressive shift, positioning the city for a future that prioritizes inclusivity and social responsibility.

Political analysts note that while Republicans once dominated Texas’s urban centers, recent shifts in voter preferences might signal a deeper transformation. As Jones’s administration begins, many will be watching closely to see how her leadership reshapes not just city policy but also the broader narrative of Texas politics.