Gerald Lopez is a former Northside ISD board member who now serves on the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees. He also served as chief of staff to former District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez.

Hear from the candidate

Please tell voters about yourself.

My name is Gerald Lopez. I’ve had the privilege of living in San Antonio for 50 years. I have graduated from Mount sacred Heart, Holy Cross High School, I hold a degree in Psychology from Our Lady of The Lake University, I am a proud father of three and an active member of Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church.

List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.

I have extensive experience in public service, having served as Chief of Staff for District 6 under Councilmember Ray Lopez. This role gave me deep insight into local government and community issues. I was elected to the NISD Board of Trustees and currently serve on the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees, where I’ve worked on initiatives to improve education and serve the needs of our community. In addition, I have participated in various local boards and commissions, I consider myself a Servant leader. I am passionate about making a difference in San Antonio and bringing my experience in government and education to further serve our city.

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 for District 6 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?

For District 6 to thrive, we must focus on three key principles: investing in residents, prioritizing city services where they are needed most, and creating opportunities for all communities.

First, we must invest in our residents by ensuring every student—whether in traditional education, workforce training, or alternative paths—has access to quality education. In underserved areas, many students lack the resources to succeed. I am committed to strengthening partnerships with local schools, supporting literacy programs, and making education a pathway to opportunity. Additionally, we must attract high-paying jobs to the district by bringing in manufacturers and industries that create career opportunities.

Second, we need to focus on city services where they are most needed. Our neighborhoods face issues with poor infrastructure, public safety, and underfunded parks. City resources should be distributed based on need, ensuring roads are repaired, parks are safe, and basic services like trash collection and transportation are reliable.

Finally, we must create opportunities for success by addressing homelessness with real solutions, transforming closed schools into affordable housing and community hubs. Expanding educational access and job training will empower our communities to grow and succeed.

With the right investments, a focus on services, and opportunities for empowerment, District 6 can become even stronger. Together, we can build a district where everyone thrives and no one is left behind.

In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others? 

Having lived in District 6 for [number] years, raised my three children here, and been elected three times as a trustee for both NISD and Alamo Colleges, I bring a deep commitment to our community and a proven record of leadership. My experience as a trustee has allowed me to work on crucial issues like education, workforce development, and public services, and I have a clear understanding of how local government works.

What differentiates me is my hands-on experience in both education and local governance, combined with a unique perspective as a parent who has lived and worked in this district. I know the challenges our families face, and I am ready to leverage my experience to bring real, tangible improvements to District 6. I’m committed to making sure every community has the resources it needs to thrive.

If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district? 

If elected, I plan to ensure that the voices of District 6 residents are heard and valued. I will host regular town hall meetings and community forums, both in-person and virtually, to make it easier for people to engage. I’ll also establish an online feedback portal where residents can share their concerns and ideas at any time.

Additionally, I will actively visit neighborhoods, attend local events, and meet with community leaders to stay connected to the issues that matter most. I believe in transparent communication and will keep residents informed about what’s happening in their district. By staying accessible and open to feedback, I will work to create policies that reflect the true needs and priorities of our community.

Read more about Gerald Lopez

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This article was assembled by various members of the San Antonio Report staff.