Mayoral election in San Antonio, Texas (2021)

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2023 →
← 2019
2021 San Antonio elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: February 12, 2021
General election: May 1, 2021
Runoff election: June 5, 2021 (canceled)
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Nonpartisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2021

Mayor Ron Nirenberg won re-election in a 14-candidate nonpartisan election in San Antonio, Texas, on May 1, 2021. Nirenberg received 61.9% of the vote. 2019 challenger Greg Brockhouse received 31.5% of the vote. No other candidate received more than 2% of the vote.

Media coverage focused on Nirenberg, Brockhouse (who previously ran against Nirenberg in 2019 and lost by 2.2 percentage points in the runoff election), and Denise Gutierrez-Homer. [1][2] Nirenberg led in fundraising, acquiring $317,620 in contributions from January 1 to March 22, 2021, compared to Brockhouse's $100,755 for the same period. Gutierrez-Homer, the only other candidate to report contributions for this period, raised $7,061.

Brockhouse and Gutierrez-Homer both disagreed with Nirenberg's response to the pandemic. “I would have never shut us down,” Brockhouse said, “I would have not promoted mandatory masks. I would have worked within the science and the parameters of helping us keep moving throughout our community.” Gutierrez-Homer said the city was “closed for too long,” and that Nirenberg was "getting too much direction" from Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff (D) (who serves as the county's chief executive officer).[3] Nirenberg said that it was essential to keep safety measures in place, and described Governor Greg Abbott's (R) lifting of business restrictions and mask mandates as like “cut[ting] off your parachute just as you’ve slowed your descent.”[4]

Proposition B, a ballot measure repealing local authority for collective bargaining with the San Antonio Police Officers Association to negotiate wages, healthcare, leave, and other policies was also an issue in the race. Nirenberg said he would leave the issue up to voters, and it was his "job as mayor to make sure there are good-faith negotiations happening in the next collective bargaining agreement of which we are now engaged." Brockhouse and Gutierrez-Homer both oppose Proposition B. Brockhouse said the proposition was a form of defunding the police, and if enacted, “Police officers will leave, and it will make us less safe.” Gutierrez-Homer also opposed the measure, saying that collective bargaining “is vital for any recruitment and retention of top notch employees."[5]

The mayor is a member of the city council. He or she presides over council meetings and official city ceremonies. The mayor also represents the city on the state, national and international levels.[6] The filing deadline for this election was February 12, 2021.

As of April 2021, 63 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 26 are affiliated with the Republican Party, four are independents, and seven identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated. While most mayoral elections in the 100 largest cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party.


Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Mayor of San Antonio

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of San Antonio on May 1, 2021.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Ron Nirenberg
Ron Nirenberg (Nonpartisan)
 
61.9
 
92,156
Image of Greg Brockhouse
Greg Brockhouse (Nonpartisan)
 
31.5
 
46,829
Image of Denise Gutierrez
Denise Gutierrez (Nonpartisan)
 
1.8
 
2,711
Image of Gary Allen
Gary Allen (Nonpartisan)
 
1.4
 
2,049
Image of Antonio Diaz
Antonio Diaz (Nonpartisan)
 
0.9
 
1,358
Image of Tim Atwood
Tim Atwood (Nonpartisan)
 
0.5
 
786
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Jacq'ue Miller (Nonpartisan)
 
0.5
 
703
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Submit photo
Ray Adam Basaldua (Nonpartisan)
 
0.4
 
631
Image of Michael Idrogo
Michael Idrogo (Nonpartisan)
 
0.3
 
406
Image of John Velasquez
John Velasquez (Nonpartisan)
 
0.2
 
340
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Dan Martinez (Nonpartisan)
 
0.2
 
334
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Frank Muniz (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
208
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Justin Macaluso (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
207
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Joshua Galvan (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
172

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 148,890
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff compiled a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[7]


Ron Nirenberg

Ron Nirenberg

Image of Ron Nirenberg

Facebook

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

Mayor of San Antonio (Assumed office: 2017)

San Antonio City Council (2013-2017)

Biography:  Nirenberg holds a B.A. from Trinity University (1999) and an M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania (2001), both in communications. He worked as program director for the Annenberg Public Policy Center and general manager of Trinity University’s KRTU-FM, an independent community radio station. Nirenberg served two terms as District 8 councilman from 2013-2017 before being elected mayor in 2017.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Nirenberg said that he would use San Antonio's workforce development program to target and provide relief to those affected by the pandemic and generational poverty. 

To address issues with the police department's disciplinary procedures, Nirenberg said that he would focus on the new collective bargaining agreement with the city's police union. 

Show sources

Sources: KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021; Mayor Ron for San Antonio, "About Ron," accessed April 20, 2021

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of San Antonio in 2021.

Greg Brockhouse

Greg Brockhouse

Image of Greg Brockhouse

WebsiteFacebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

San Antonio City Council (2017-2019)

Biography:  Brockhouse is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He worked in the mortgage industry for over 15 years and owns a janitorial service company. Brockhouse represented District 6 of the San Antonio City Council from 2017 to 2019.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Brockhouse said he would freeze the city's workforce development program and instead focus on the hotel and tourism industries. 

Brockhouse said Nirenberg was unable to adapt to changing guidance and too heavy-handed in his approach to the pandemic. Brockhouse said he opposes mask mandates and closing businesses.

Brockhouse said he opposes Proposition B because he views it as a form of defunding the police and believes it would lead to public safety issues. 

Show sources

Sources: KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021; Brockhouse for Mayor,  "Meet Greg," accessed April 20, 2021

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of San Antonio in 2021.

Denise Gutierrez-Homer

Denise Gutierrez

Image of Denise Gutierrez

WebsiteFacebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Gutierrez-Homer graduated from the University of Texas-San Antonio in 1987. She worked as an elementary school teacher and started a business in interior design and decorative painting.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Gutierrez-Homer said that her experience in subcontracting has given her experience working with people and managing a budget. 

Regarding the city's COVID-19 response, Gutierrez-Homer said that Nirenberg kept the city closed down for too long. 

Gutierrez-Homer said she opposes Proposition B because she believes collective bargaining rights help employees avoid being taken advantage of. 

Show sources

Sources: KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021; Denise 4 San Antonio Mayor, "Meet Denise,"  accessed April 20, 2021

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of San Antonio in 2021.

Campaign finance

Debates and forums

Candidates participated in a three-day forum hosted by KSAT, the San Antonio Report, and Bexar Facts.[8] Click here to watch.

Campaign themes

See also: Campaign themes

Independent Ron Nirenberg

Campaign website

Nirenberg’s campaign website stated the following:

“
  • Health & Safety
Ensuring our community’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts are equitable and backed by science. Evaluating policies and protocols so that every resident feels safe in their home.
  • Economic Recovery
Focusing on creating pathways to careers. Created the SA: Ready to Work initiative, which will help tens of thousands of residents find in-demand, good-paying jobs. Helped attract major manufacturing operations to our community, creating thousands of new jobs. Creating city budgets defined by equity that provide prosperity for all sides of San Antonio.
  • Affordable Housing
Created the Mayor’s Housing Policy Task Force, which has helped foster the construction of tens of thousands of affordable units. Created one of the largest rental and mortgage assistance funds in the country, keeping residents in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click to read the full report of the 2018 Housing Policy Task Force.
  • Quality of Life
Achieved long term water security by continuing the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program through 2032. Fighting for smart development policies to enhance our neighborhoods, and embrace our heritage through art, history and cultural initiatives.
  • Transportation
Championed enhanced funding for VIA Metropolitan Transit, which was achieved without a tax increase.
  • Ethics and Accountability
A strong city is an engaged city, and that starts with unimpeachable integrity and public trust, backed by ethics rules with real teeth. We will ensure that voices of all citizens are being heard and that City Hall works for you, not itself.[9]
 ”
—Ron Nirenberg's campaign website (2021)[10]


Independent Greg Brockhouse

Campaign website

Brockhouse’s campaign website stated the following:

“
  • THE NEXT ‘JOBS MAYOR’
Take every step to attract new jobs and drive up wages for families.
  • RECOVERY NOW
Propel our city past COVID and jumpstart our economy safely.
  • PUBLIC SAFETY
Support our police, fire and EMS and reject efforts to defund them or weaken their departments.
  • FAMILIES FIRST
Put San Antonio families first with smart, effective solutions that make San Antonio the best place to live, work and raise a family.
  • CLEAN UP CITY HALL
Pass new transparency laws, end corrupt insider deals, and open up City Hall for everyone.[9]
 ”
—Jennifer Smith’s campaign website (2021)[11]


Independent Denise Gutierrez-Homer

Campaign website

Gutierrez-Homer’s campaign website stated the following:

“
  • Covid-19 Safety & Logistics
Effective Communication and Immunization
  • Economy
Recovery & Growth Strategies for all Industries
  • Housing
Responsible Growth & Community Development
  • Safety & Security
Consistent and Viable Police Force
  • Connectivity
Connectivity makes everything possible
  • EVOLVING TECH
Technology can bring positive changes for our economic development, medical needs, safety and education. Bringing reliable internet to our communities will help our families and Seniors connect with their doctors, students with their teachers, zoom and more. Let’s keep our local businesses open and people thriving.
  • Tele-Medicine & Remote HealthCare
  • Home or Virtual Education Choices
  • Tele-Commuting Home Offices
  • Quicker Responses to Crime & Better Law Enforcement
  • Affordable Housing
Encourage Master Planned Communities and encourage Owner occupancy.
Establish sound improvements to Existing housing is affordable housing, demolition is not the answer.
Fix the disconnect that allows distracting designs as infill.
  • Taxes
Work to establish a “Zero Net Gain” tax structure. Establish a budget. Establish the amount of property value and set taxation to satisfy the real budget. Eliminate tax payer funded bonuses to the city created by rising property values. Replacing your roof, painting your house, planting landscape should not be considered “Improvements”. Work with the Appraisal District to eliminate unfair practices. Without the fear of increased taxes, many homeowners could beautify their property and the city as a whole.
  • Transportation
With Covid 19, citizens have become fully aware that personal vehicles must remain as a safe alternative to VIA. Our safety, health and access to medical and food sources were dependent on having your own car. Our roads must be maintained and our sidewalks repaired for pedestrians. Our officials should not deny personal transportation options nor expect people nor businesses to purchase electric vehicles. Choice is a freedom.[9]
 ”
—Denise Gutierrez-Homer's campaign website (2021)[12]


Noteworthy endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.

Click the links below to see endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites, if available.

Noteworthy endorsements
Endorsement Nirenberg Brockhouse Gutierrez-Homer
Newspapers and editorials
San Antonio Express-News[13] ✔
Elected officials
Texas State Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R)[14] ✔
Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff (D)[15] ✔
Organizations
Pastors PAC[16] ✔
Texas Democratic Party[17] ✔


Mayoral partisanship

See also: Partisanship in United States municipal elections (2021)

Mayoral elections were held in 28 of the 100 largest U.S. cities in 2021. Once mayors elected in 2021 assumed office, the mayors of 64 of the country's 100 largest cities were affiliated with the Democratic Party.

The following top-100 mayoral offices changed partisan control in 2021:

What was at stake?

Report a story for this election

Ballotpedia researches issues in local elections across the United States, but information availability is a challenge for us in many areas. Please contact us about the issues that impact your local election. Note that not all submissions may meet Ballotpedia's coverage requirements for inclusion.

Candidate survey

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Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Texas elections, 2021

What's on your ballot?
Click here to find out using My Vote


May 1, 2021
June 5, 2021
September 28, 2021
November 2, 2021


About the city

See also: San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is a city in Bexar County, Texas. As of 2020, its population was 1,434,625.

City government

See also: Council-manager government

The city of San Antonio uses a council-manager system. In this form of municipal government, an elected city council—which includes the mayor and serves as the city's primary legislative body—appoints a chief executive called a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and implement the council's policy and legislative initiatives.[19]

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Texas
Population 1,434,625 29,145,505
Land area (sq mi) 498 261,267
Race and ethnicity**
White 71.9% 69.2%
Black/African American 6.8% 12.1%
Asian 3% 4.9%
Native American 0.7% 0.5%
Pacific Islander 0.1% 0.1%
Other (single race) 7.4% 6.2%
Multiple 10.1% 7%
Hispanic/Latino 64.7% 39.4%
Education
High school graduation rate 82.7% 84.4%
College graduation rate 26.4% 30.7%
Income
Median household income $53,420 $63,826
Persons below poverty level 17.6% 14.2%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

San Antonio, Texas Texas Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ KSAT, "Bexar Facts poll: Mayor Ron Nirenberg leads challenger Greg Brockhouse 56-21 among likely San Antonio voters," April 6, 2021
  2. ↑ Politico, "The mayoral races to watch in 2021," April 19, 2021
  3. ↑ KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021
  4. ↑ Forbes, "Biden Slams Texas And Mississippi’s ‘Neanderthal Thinking’ In Dropping Covid-19 Restrictions And Mask Mandate," March 3, 2021
  5. ↑ KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021
  6. ↑ City of San Antonio, "Mayor," accessed April 20, 2021
  7. ↑ In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
  8. ↑ KSAT, "What you missed in San Antonio mayoral forum featuring Ron Nirenberg, Greg Brockhouse, Denise Gutierrez-Homer," April 20, 2021
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  10. ↑ Mayor Ron for San Antonio, “My Priorities,” accessed April 21, 2021
  11. ↑ Brockhouse for Mayor, “Home,” accessed April 21, 2021
  12. ↑ Denise 4 San Antonio Mayor, “Home,” accessed April 21, 2021
  13. ↑ Politico, "The mayoral races to watch in 2021," April 19, 2021
  14. ↑ Denise 4 San Antonio, "Endorsements," February 21, 2021
  15. ↑ San Antonio Report, "Judge Nelson Wolff endorses Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s bid for a third term," February 21, 2021
  16. ↑ Pastors PAC, "Pastors PAC Endorsements," accessed April 20, 2021
  17. ↑ Texas Democrats, "Texas Democratic Party Endorses San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg Ahead of San Antonio Mayoral Runoff," accessed April 20, 2021
  18. ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee says he’s becoming a Republican," April 6, 2021
  19. ↑ City of San Antonio, "Your Government," accessed October 24, 2014
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