Robert Melvin
Robert Melvin ran for election for Mayor of San Antonio in Texas. He lost in the general election on May 3, 2025.
Melvin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Robert Melvin was born in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Notre Dame High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Xavier University in 1999 and a law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law in 2004. His career experience includes working as a real estate investor and CEO. He served as a Texas Small Business Advocate in Governor Rick Perry's administration.[1]
He has been affiliated with:[1]
- Chairman, San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE)
- Board Member, Brooks City Base
- Board Member, Greater: SATX
- Board Member, UTSA Institute for Economic Development
- Board Member, San Antonio MLK Jr. Commission
- Board Member, U.S.–Brazil Energy Forum
- Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Incorporated
- Children's Rehabilitation Institute TeletoneUSA
- Small Business Development Center Network
- Texas Economic Development Corporation
Elections
2025
See also: Mayoral election in San Antonio, Texas (2025)
General runoff election
General runoff election for Mayor of San Antonio
Gina Ortiz Jones defeated Rolando Pablos in the general runoff election for Mayor of San Antonio on June 7, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Gina Ortiz Jones (Nonpartisan) | 54.3 | 77,587 |
 | Rolando Pablos (Nonpartisan) | 45.7 | 65,245 | |
| Total votes: 142,832 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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General election
General election for Mayor of San Antonio
The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of San Antonio on May 3, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gina Ortiz Jones (Nonpartisan) | 27.2 | 27,517 |
| ✔ | | Rolando Pablos (Nonpartisan) | 16.6 | 16,798 |
 | Beto Altamirano (Nonpartisan) | 12.1 | 12,190 | |
 | Adriana Garcia (Nonpartisan) | 9.9 | 10,016 | |
 | Manny Pelaez (Nonpartisan) | 7.3 | 7,398 | |
 | Melissa Cabello Havrda (Nonpartisan) | 6.7 | 6,736 | |
 | John Courage (Nonpartisan) | 5.6 | 5,625 | |
 | Clayton Perry (Nonpartisan) | 5.5 | 5,575 | |
 | Tim Westley (Nonpartisan) | 3.7 | 3,776 | |
 | Robert Melvin (Nonpartisan) | 0.9 | 944 | |
 | Christopher Reyes (Nonpartisan) | 0.5 | 522 | |
| Sonia Traut (Nonpartisan) | 0.4 | 449 | ||
| Diana Uriegas (Nonpartisan) | 0.4 | 444 | ||
 | Jade McCullough (Nonpartisan) | 0.4 | 425 | |
 | Brandon Gonzales (Nonpartisan) | 0.4 | 355 | |
 | Mauricio Sanchez (Nonpartisan) | 0.3 | 337 | |
 | Andrew Vicencio (Nonpartisan) | 0.3 | 303 | |
| Michael Samaniego (Nonpartisan) | 0.3 | 302 | ||
| Chris Herring (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 236 | ||
 | Robert Salinas (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 197 | |
| Gerardo Zambrano (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 183 | ||
 | Santos Alvarado (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 164 | |
| James Melvin (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 163 | ||
| Armando Dominguez (Nonpartisan) | 0.2 | 152 | ||
| April Guadarrama (Nonpartisan) | 0.1 | 149 | ||
| Bill Ruppel (Nonpartisan) | 0.1 | 113 | ||
| Arturo Espinosa (Nonpartisan) | 0.1 | 81 | ||
| Total votes: 101,150 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Melvin in this election.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robert Melvin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Melvin's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Born in the resilient community of Kashmere Gardens in Houston, Texas, Mr. Melvin was raised in a single-parent household where he was instilled with the values of hard work, faith, family, and a deep commitment to service. He is a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, where he earned degrees in Political Science and Psychology. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, where he served as a law clerk in the Office of the Governor of Michigan, gaining firsthand experience in the intersection of law, policy, and economic development.
Professionally, Mr. Melvin served as the Texas Small Business Advocate under Governor Rick Perry, launching major initiatives to expand access to capital and global markets for entrepreneurs and small enterprises. In San Antonio, he has played a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth by serving on numerous economic development boards and commissions, including Brooks City Base, Greater: SATX, and San Antonio for Growth on the East Side.- 1. Building an Inclusive and Competitive Economy I am committed to expanding economic opportunity by supporting small businesses, streamlining city processes, and attracting high-wage industries that align with our city’s strengths. With more than two decades of experience as a developer, entrepreneur, and former Texas Small Business Advocate, I know how to cut through red tape and create the conditions where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish. As mayor, I will focus on neighborhood-level investment, strengthen access to capital, and champion workforce training programs that link education directly to employment opportunities—especially in underserved communities
- 2. Prioritizing Public Safety and Smart Infrastructure San Antonio’s rapid growth demands a modern approach to safety and infrastructure. We cannot expect fast 911 response times or effective community policing if we do not invest in our first responders. That’s why I support expanding our police force by 300 officers while improving their training, technology, and wellness resources. Public safety also includes better roads, drainage systems, broadband access, and reliable transportation. I will take a data-driven approach to prioritizing infrastructure improvements, ensuring that our city is not just growing—but growing sustainably, equitably, and intelligently.
- 3. Restoring Transparency and Fiscal Discipline to City Hall We cannot lead a city of our size and complexity with a lack of financial clarity and public accountability. The city’s budget exceeded $3.5 billion last year and was increased again to over $4 billion—without clearly outlining how those dollars deliver results for working families. As mayor, I will lead with fiscal responsibility and demand a comprehensive audit of city spending. I will also ensure the public has access to timely and understandable budget information. San Antonians deserve a mayor who respects taxpayers, demands results, and governs with transparency at every level.
- Malcolm X** has always stood out to me as a man who embodied transformation, discipline, and uncompromising principle. He didn’t shrink in the face of controversy or challenge—he evolved. What I admire most about Malcolm is his courage to speak truth even when it was uncomfortable, his intellectual rigor, and his willingness to grow beyond where he started. That kind of leadership—rooted in identity, sharpened by purpose, and guided by a deep moral compass—is what I strive to bring into public service.
- Metta World Peace**, formerly Ron Artest, represents another kind of journey I deeply respect. He’s someone who went through real personal trials in the public eye and used those moments as catalysts for growth. He’s been outspoken about mental health, emotional wellness, and accountability—topics many leaders avoid. I admire his raw honesty, his willingness to evolve, and the way he turned personal healing into public advocacy. That’s leadership through vulnerability, and we need more of that in politics today.
- Malcolm X** has always stood out to me as a man who embodied transformation, discipline, and uncompromising principle. He didn’t shrink in the face of controversy or challenge—he evolved. What I admire most about Malcolm is his courage to speak truth even when it was uncomfortable, his intellectual rigor, and his willingness to grow beyond where he started. That kind of leadership—rooted in identity, sharpened by purpose, and guided by a deep moral compass—is what I strive to bring into public service.
From Ray Dalio’s "Principles," I adopt a systems-thinking approach to problem-solving. His emphasis on radical transparency, clear metrics, and organizational excellence speaks directly to how I believe a city should be run: with accountability, vision, and a deep respect for data-driven decision-making. A city with a $4 billion budget must be managed like a high-performing enterprise—efficient, transparent, and relentlessly focused on outcomes that improve lives.
- Integrity** is the foundation of effective leadership. It means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. The people of San Antonio deserve a mayor who is consistent, honest, and transparent—not someone who makes promises during election season only to abandon them once in office. Integrity builds trust, and trust is essential for a functioning, forward-moving city government.
- Accountability** is equally critical. Elected officials must be responsive to the people, not beholden to special interests or political convenience. That means being transparent with budgets, honest about challenges, and clear about priorities. San Antonians want to know how decisions are made, where their tax dollars are going, and whether their concerns are being heard and acted upon.
- Courage** is the ability to lead even when the decisions are hard or unpopular. As mayor, I will not shy away from making bold, necessary changes—whether that means reforming broken systems, standing up to political pressure, or advocating for those whose voices have been marginalized. Leadership requires vision, but more importantly, it requires the will to act on that vision.
- Empathy** ensures we govern with heart. Every issue—from housing to public safety—impacts real people. Leaders must listen, understand, and design policies that reflect compassion and fairness. I will lead with a people-first mindset.
- Integrity** is the foundation of effective leadership. It means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. The people of San Antonio deserve a mayor who is consistent, honest, and transparent—not someone who makes promises during election season only to abandon them once in office. Integrity builds trust, and trust is essential for a functioning, forward-moving city government.
First and foremost, I bring a track record of leadership and execution. With over two decades in economic development, real estate, and public policy, I’ve led initiatives that have created jobs, revitalized neighborhoods, and attracted investment into historically underserved areas. I’ve built businesses from the ground up, served in statewide roles under a Republican administration, and collaborated with communities and corporations alike. I don’t just have ideas—I have the discipline and experience to turn vision into reality.
Second, I possess **unshakable integrity**. I believe leadership begins with trust, and I hold myself to a high ethical standard. Whether negotiating multimillion-dollar development projects or advocating for small businesses, I operate transparently and with the people’s interest front and center. I’m not here for power—I’m here for purpose.
Third, I bring **resilience and adaptability**. I’ve faced setbacks—professionally and personally—but I’ve never stayed down. Growing up in a working-class family and rising through discipline, faith, and hard work taught me how to navigate challenges, evolve under pressure, and still lead with clarity and strength.
First and foremost, the mayor must **lead with vision and purpose.** This role is not ceremonial—it’s executive. It requires setting a clear direction for the city, aligning resources with community priorities, and bringing together public and private partners to solve our biggest challenges. Whether it’s expanding affordable housing, improving infrastructure, or creating jobs, the mayor must be proactive, strategic, and solutions-oriented.
Secondly, the mayor is responsible for **ensuring effective and equitable delivery of core services.** Public safety, waste management, transportation, parks, utilities—these are the services that shape quality of life. The mayor must work with department heads and City Council to ensure these systems operate efficiently and fairly, with a focus on equity across all districts.
The mayor must also serve as **the chief steward of the city’s finances.** With a budget exceeding $4 billion, San Antonio requires disciplined leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility. That means conducting thorough budget reviews, eliminating waste, and investing in areas that offer long-term return to residents.
For too long, poverty has been accepted as a fixture in certain parts of our city. I don’t believe that’s acceptable. I believe every San Antonian—regardless of their ZIP code, background, or economic starting point—deserves access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the dignity that comes with self-sufficiency. My legacy will be rooted in building **an ecosystem of opportunity** that links education to industry, entrepreneurship to access, and public policy to long-term impact.
Through strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and community-driven leadership, I want to leave behind a city where young people can see a future for themselves—where job training, mentorship, homeownership, and business ownership are real, not theoretical. I want to be remembered as the mayor who **helped lift thousands out of generational poverty**, not through handouts, but through hands-on support, innovative policy, and a relentless commitment to equity.
That moment changed everything. As a young Black man studying to enter the legal profession, I felt a deep sense of responsibility—not just to understand the law, but to use it as a tool for justice, security, and national unity. The attack forced us to confront our vulnerability as a nation, but it also revealed our strength. I remember the wave of patriotism, compassion, and resolve that followed—and the way communities came together across all lines.
Holden Caulfield, the protagonist, is flawed, raw, and often misunderstood—but what makes him compelling is his relentless search for truth in a world full of pretense. That search for honesty, for connection, for something *real*—that’s a struggle I’ve known personally and professionally. As someone who’s worked in both government and business, I’ve seen how easy it is for leaders to lose their sense of self while trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. Holden’s story reminds me to stay grounded, to stay real, and to always lead with purpose—not performance.
What also resonates is his instinct to protect others—especially the young—from the world’s harshness. That spirit of service, of wanting to stand in the gap, reflects how I see leadership. I don’t want to just be a politician who passes through—I want to be a protector of opportunity, a builder of bridges, and a guide for those who feel unseen.
The cowboy represents something that’s always resonated with me: **independence, discipline, loyalty, and courage in the face of uncertainty.** He’s not waiting for someone else to fix the problem—he saddles up, rides into it, and handles it with integrity. Whether it’s Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” or Denzel in *The Magnificent Seven*, there’s a quiet power in the way the cowboy carries himself—honest, steady, and always rooted in a code.
Being a cowboy means standing up for the underdog, protecting your town, and knowing when to lead from the front and when to ride alone. That spirit—that strength wrapped in humility—is how I approach leadership. I don’t need the spotlight. I just need the mission, the people I’m fighting for, and the road ahead.
There are a lot of people who *say* they support small business. They show up for the photo ops, they drop buzzwords, and they post on social media when it’s convenient. But they’re not in the trenches. They’re not losing sleep over payroll, they’re not negotiating leases, they’re not mentoring that young entrepreneur who’s about to give up. **They’re not like us.**
When Kendrick says *"Not like us,"* it hits because small business owners know the difference between rhetoric and real. We know what sacrifice feels like. We know how it feels to take a risk with no safety net. And we know that building community wealth starts with ownership, not optics.
That mindset, while motivating, can be exhausting. It can make it difficult to fully enjoy success, to rest, or to be present with family and community—because my mind is always racing toward the future. I’ve had to learn that **progress doesn’t mean rushing, and purpose doesn’t require perfection.** There’s strength in stillness, clarity in reflection, and joy in recognizing how far you’ve already come.
That lesson has been humbling. It’s pushed me to prioritize mental and emotional well-being, to value time with my family, and to recognize that the journey is just as meaningful as the destination. As a leader, that struggle has given me empathy—for those striving to overcome their own obstacles, and for the importance of creating a city where people don’t just survive, but truly live.
Leadership as mayor means setting a clear vision for where the city is headed, while staying grounded in the day-to-day realities that people face. It means not just showing up during crises, but being present in the everyday lives of the people you represent—listening, learning, and acting with urgency and empathy. A mayor must be a unifier—someone who can bring people together across lines of race, income, ideology, and geography to build consensus and take collective action.
It also means being **strategic and accountable.** San Antonio is a global city with a $4 billion budget, complex challenges, and extraordinary potential. A mayor must treat the office as both a public trust and a CEO-level position. That includes overseeing services, stewarding taxpayer resources, holding departments to high performance standards, and attracting the types of investments that move us forward without leaving people behind.
Most importantly, being a leader means having the **courage to make hard decisions**—to challenge the status quo when necessary, to correct course when wrong, and to fight for those whose voices are too often ignored. Leadership is not about politics—it’s about progress. It’s about ensuring that the city we leave behind is stronger, more just, and more united than the one we inherited.
The mayor’s role is not managerial—it is **strategic, policy-driven, and deeply representative.** That means setting a bold, inclusive agenda that reflects the real needs of our residents—whether it’s expanding affordable housing, modernizing infrastructure, reducing crime, or fostering economic development across all ten districts. The mayor must be the bridge between the community and city hall, ensuring that policy decisions are aligned with the people’s priorities—not just the bureaucracy’s.
My top priority as mayor will be to **establish clear direction and accountability** within city government. That begins with a comprehensive assessment of our city’s financial health, infrastructure gaps, and departmental performance. From there, I will work collaboratively with council members and the city manager to focus resources on what matters most: public safety, economic opportunity, housing, and core city services. I will also ensure the city manager’s work aligns with our values of transparency, equity, and efficiency.
I love the rhythm of our neighborhoods, the strength of our families, and the way this city rises in moments of both celebration and challenge. I’ve seen it in our small business owners who hustle to create jobs and opportunity. I’ve seen it in our first responders who run toward danger to keep us safe. I’ve seen it in our youth—dreaming, striving, and representing the next chapter of San Antonio’s greatness.
San Antonio is not just where I live—it’s who I am. It’s where I’ve built my businesses, raised my family, and committed my life to service. I love that we are a city of possibility—a place where someone like me, born in Kashmere Gardens and raised in a working-class home, can have the chance to lead and give back. This city has shaped me, inspired me, and challenged me—and I’m running for mayor because I want to ensure every San Antonian has the same chance to thrive.
We must invest in smarter infrastructure—roads, drainage, broadband, and transit—while ensuring every neighborhood shares in the benefits of that growth. Housing affordability will also be a defining issue. Too many families are being priced out of their communities. I will fight for zoning reform, mixed-income developments, and tools that allow residents to age in place without being displaced.
Public safety must be strengthened through more personnel, better training, and improved community trust. We must also close the economic gaps across our city by supporting small businesses, workforce training, and inclusive investment. Lastly, transparency and accountability must return to City Hall. San Antonians deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent—and that every decision made has their best interest at heart.
During my time serving under the former administration as the **Texas Small Business Advocate**, I had the privilege of building strong, productive relationships in Austin with key agencies, legislative leaders, and public-private stakeholders. I worked across party lines to launch the Texas Global Trade Summit, expand access to capital for entrepreneurs, and support innovative economic development strategies that benefited communities across the state. Those relationships remain active, and they position me uniquely to **leverage state-level partnerships that bring meaningful investment and opportunity to San Antonio.**
As mayor, I will ensure that San Antonio is not an afterthought in Austin—but a respected partner. That means maintaining **open lines of communication with state officials**, advocating for our fair share of infrastructure funding, public safety resources, and housing support, while also defending our right to govern locally in a way that reflects the unique values and priorities of our city.
The federal government plays a critical role in areas like infrastructure, housing, transportation, public health, economic development, and emergency management. Our job at the local level is to ensure that federal resources are **effectively leveraged, transparently administered, and aligned with the needs of our diverse communities.** That requires leadership that understands how to navigate Washington—not with wishful thinking, but with strategic execution and policy fluency.
Throughout my career, I have worked with federal partners on disaster recovery housing, veteran support, and economic empowerment initiatives. I understand how to cut through red tape and maximize the return on federal programs, grants, and partnerships. Whether it’s securing funding from HUD for housing, collaborating with the Department of Transportation on transit infrastructure, or tapping into SBA resources for small business growth, **I will ensure that San Antonio gets its fair share—and uses it wisely.**
One of my favorite Chappelle lines comes from a stand-up where he says:
- “The worst thing to call somebody is crazy. It’s dismissive. I don’t understand this person, so they’re crazy. That’s bullsh*t. These people are not crazy—they’re strong people. Maybe their environment is a little sick.”**
- “The worst thing to call somebody is crazy. It’s dismissive. I don’t understand this person, so they’re crazy. That’s bullsh*t. These people are not crazy—they’re strong people. Maybe their environment is a little sick.”**
That line hits deep—especially as someone who’s worked in underserved communities, with small business owners fighting to survive, and families trying to break cycles of poverty. It reminds me that **we have to stop blaming people for struggling in systems that weren’t built for them to win.** My approach to leadership is centered on changing the environment—so people have a fair shot, real opportunity, and dignity in the process.
The San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department are essential pillars of our community. Their officers and personnel put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, and they deserve leadership that supports them with the resources, training, and staffing they need to do their jobs effectively. That includes expanding our force by at least 300 officers to address current gaps in coverage, while also investing in mental health units, advanced training, and modern equipment.
At the same time, **trust must be earned and maintained** between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The mayor must work closely with department leadership to ensure policies are in place that promote accountability, uphold civil rights, and prevent abuse of authority. That means supporting body-worn cameras, community oversight mechanisms, and clear protocols that prioritize de-escalation and transparency.
Brigadere General Ronald Kirkland
Dr. William Harvey
Christopher Harvey
David Huffman
Valerie Magloire
Little Taco Factory
Little Fish Factory
Bubbles Car Wash
Pasha Mediteranian Restuaraunts
Trysts Kitchen and Lounge
Pulp Coffee Roasters
Soccer Central Training Acadamey
AC River Soccer Club
Common Wealth Coffee
Jack'd Potatoes
Saulo Rodriguez
Laurie Lerma
Tim Vu
Sophia Garibay
Frank Hartford
Matin Tabbakh
Dimitri Velesiotis
Dr. Juan Delgado
Bokoba
Bishop Mike Pfpifer
Duy Le
Legend Financial
Lone Star National Bank
Calvin Belinger
Taylor Harvey
Eddie Ornales
Timothy Melvin
Terry Melvin
Paulette Chargois
Robin Jackson
Lissa Melvin
Jasmine Melvin
Robert Melvin
Financial transparency is not just a talking point—it is a foundational requirement for a functioning and respected city government. With a municipal budget now exceeding $4 billion, San Antonio must hold itself to the highest standards of fiscal discipline. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many instances where the public is left in the dark about where their money is going, what’s working, and what isn’t. That’s unacceptable. As mayor, I will implement **real-time financial dashboards**, conduct independent performance audits, and publish easy-to-understand quarterly financial reports that are accessible to every resident. **Budgets should not be buried in bureaucracy—they should be tools of public trust.**
Government accountability starts with leadership. I will ensure that city departments operate efficiently and are held to clear, measurable performance standards. Every program, initiative, and policy must be justified by data and outcomes. If it’s not delivering results, it will be reformed or removed. **Accountability also means accessibility.** I will host regular town halls, engage community input on major expenditures, and work in partnership with City Council—not behind closed doors, but in the light of public scrutiny.
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See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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