Kelly Ann Gonzalez is a labor organizer who most recently worked for AFSCME, the labor union representing City of San Antonio employees. She’s also a Democratic precinct chair and the owner of a screen printing business.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born and raised in District 6 and graduated from John Jay High School. As a small business owner from a family of entrepreneurs, I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice early on. For the past two years, I worked as a labor organizer, engaging directly with the city employees who keep San Antonio running. By listening to employees across multiple departments, I gained insight into what’s working in our city services and what changes are needed to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. I’m committed to bringing those experiences and recommendations to City Council to improve services for residents. I am a proud graduate of the Leadership for Democracy (LDSJ) program at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies and a fellow of the Ruth Ellinger Labor Leader School with the Texas AFL-CIO. My experiences have prepared me to fight for living wages and safe, thriving communities in San Antonio.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I successfully led an effort to amend the City of San Antonio Charter to allow city employees full participation in city elections. This experience included testifying before the City Charter Review Commission and City Council about the importance of restoring their full right to political engagement. The successful passage of Proposition D on the November 2024 ballot was a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, effective advocacy, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard in our democracy. I am currently serving on the board of New Leaders Council San Antonio Chapter. I have served as a Precinct Chair for my Precinct 1084 since 2020. I have never run for elected office before.
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?
District 6 is the fastest-growing district in San Antonio, and with that growth comes significant traffic, drainage, and infrastructure challenges. As the City conducts its first citywide traffic analysis to identify congestion issues and infrastructure solutions, I will actively engage with county, state (TxDOT), and federal officials to prioritize key projects and secure funding to improve our roads, drainage, and overall infrastructure. Housing affordability and homelessness prevention are also urgent concerns, as rising costs are displacing working families, seniors, veterans, and essential workers.
I will advocate for more affordable housing, tenant protections, and responsible development policies to ensure residents can afford to stay in District 6 and build stable, thriving communities. Public safety remains a top concern for residents. I will support community policing efforts, invest in mental health crisis response teams, and improve street lighting and public safety infrastructure to keep neighborhoods secure.
Additionally, I will work to expand mutual aid programs that empower neighbors to support one another and build stronger communities. Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership, bold policies, and deep community engagement. I am committed to making District 6 a safer and better-connected community, ensuring that all residents can thrive and share in our city’s success.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
What sets me apart in this race is my deep-rooted experience as a labor organizer, advocate for working families, and lifelong resident of District 6. I have spent years working directly with city employees, advocating for fair wages, stronger worker protections, and better city services. I know firsthand how city policies impact the lives of working people, and I have the experience to push for budget priorities that invest in our workforce, infrastructure, and neighborhoods.
Additionally, my background as a small business owner gives me a unique understanding of the challenges local entrepreneurs face. I’ve built my career on listening to people, organizing communities, and driving change, and I’m ready to bring that same determination to City Hall. I’m not a career politician, I’m a fighter for working families, and I will ensure their voices are heard at every decision-making table.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
I believe the best way to understand the needs of our community is by meeting people where they are, in their neighborhoods, at their doorsteps, and in their everyday lives. I will continue conducting door-to-door outreach and create district newsletters that reach residents at their home. In addition to this hands-on approach, I will hold regular town hall meetings and establish a District 6 Advisory Council made up of community leaders, small business owners, and advocates to provide ongoing input. I will also maintain open communication channels through virtual forums, social media updates, and a dedicated hotline to ensure residents can easily share concerns or ideas. By combining direct engagement with accessible platforms, I will ensure that every voice in District 6 is heard and valued.
Read more about Kelly Ann Gonzalez
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