Councilwoman Melissa Cabello-Havrda (D6) is a disability lawyer who has represented the far West Side since 2019. She previously served as a special assistant to former Mayor Ed Garza and project coordinator to Mayor Emeritus Lila Cockrell.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m a lifelong San Antonian, born and raised on the West Side. I graduated from Taft High School before earning my law degree from St. Mary’s University and an MBA from UTSA. Public service has been my calling, and for three terms, I’ve proudly served as your City Councilwoman, where I’ve championed public safety, infrastructure, and equity.
I chair the Public Safety Committee, ensuring stronger mental health resources and safer neighborhoods. As Chair of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, I’ve fought for millions in transportation improvements. My work has secured historic investments in parks, libraries, and foster youth programs.
I first ran for office in 2017, narrowly losing a runoff. But I didn’t walk away. I came back, won, and got to work. I’m not running for a title — I’m running for the city I love, to make sure no one is left behind.
In a field of 27 mayoral candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
I am a fighter. I have proven leadership and real results. I’m not running on promises. I have shown my ability and effectiveness fighting for real San Antonians.
I’ve secured millions for public safety, mental health, foster youth, and infrastructure. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I’ve led efforts to reduce crime, expand mental health resources, and improve emergency response, leading to a 6% decrease in crime. As Chair of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, I’ve fought for transportation funding that will shape our city.
What prepares me for this campaign is my deep connection with the people of San Antonio. I’ve built relationships across diverse communities, earning trust through accountability and a vision for the future. I bring a fighter’s resilience. I don’t back down from challenges or making change. You deserve a mayor who knows how to get things done, and I am that person.
If elected, you would be taking over at a time when the city has spent more than a year negotiating a massive downtown redevelopment effort in Project Marvel. How would you approach this project?
I support a downtown stadium only under three clear conditions: No taxpayer dollars, a strong displacement plan, and real economic investment. San Antonians should never be asked to fund private development without guaranteed benefits.
First, I will not support using taxpayer dollars for a stadium. Public money should go to infrastructure, public safety, and core services, not subsidizing private interests. Any deal must be privately funded and provide direct value to residents.
Second, there must be an enforceable plan to prevent displacement and invest in impacted communities, especially on the East Side near the Frost Center. Development should lift up communities, not push them out.
Third, I would approach this project with transparency and accountability by ensuring real, long-term economic benefits, including workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and community reinvestment.
I am the councilmember who fought to ensure East Side leadership had a voice in these discussions. The communities most impacted must be included at every step, especially the ones who have been left out of discussions for decades.
San Antonio deserves development that works for the people. If Project Marvel meets these conditions, it can move forward. But public trust is not a gamble. It requires guarantees, not empty promises.
In the city’s 2024-2025 budget survey, residents ranked homelessness, streets,
housing and animal care services among their top concerns for the city to address. Which issues do you consider a top concern and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
San Antonians deserve a city government that works for them, keeps them safe, and creates opportunities for a better future. City Hall should work for you. Addressing homelessness requires smarter investment in mental health services, housing solutions, and workforce training.
I’ve already helped secure millions for foster youth services, mental health programs, and housing initiatives, and I will push for stronger collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, and local government to ensure resources go directly to those in need.
You should feel safe in your own community. Safer streets mean better infrastructure, stronger public safety, and well-funded animal care services. I’ve already secured sidewalk equity funding, intersection improvements, and increased animal care services, including spay/neuter programs and a dedicated veterinarian. I will continue working to ensure San Antonio is safe for everyone, including our pets. We must create opportunities here at home.
Affordable housing and economic growth go hand in hand. I will prioritize expanding housing options and strengthening tenant protections to ensure families can afford to stay in their communities.
My first 100 days has already begun. I have been doing this work for our City over the last six years, and I am ready to continue delivering real results.
For the past four years San Antonio has worked closely with the Biden Administration on federally funded projects like airport development and Advanced Rapid Transit. How would you approach working with both state leaders in Austin and a new presidential administration in D.C.?
I will continue doing what I have already been doing, showing up, building relationships, and delivering results. While others make empty promises without basic research, I have a proven record of working across all levels of government to bring funding and resources home.
I attended every meeting in San Antonio and Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal funding for transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. As Chair of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, I have worked closely with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure we get our fair share of investment.
My approach is collaborative and results-driven. I have already started working with Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai on the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, shaping the strategy to bring passenger rail to Central Texas. Regional cooperation is how we secure major infrastructure wins.
Whether advocating for federal funding for airport expansion, securing state investments in public safety, or modernizing transportation, I will fight for San Antonio at every level. My relationships are built, my strategy is in motion, and my leadership is proven. I will ensure San Antonio’s voice remains strong in both Austin and Washington.
Read more about Melissa Cabello Havrda
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Councilwoman Cabello Havrda lobbied city to give her employee’s nonprofit $300,000
From collaboration to ‘nuclear option’: The political evolution of Melissa Cabello Havrda
