Once a progressive young newcomer, Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (D2) will soon become one of the council’s most senior policy makers when new members are sworn in next month.
The East Side councilman cruised to a third term Saturday night, fending off seven challengers with 61% of the vote. His closest challenger, Carla-Joy Sisco, took 9.1%.
That’s after McKee-Rodriguez was slapped with an ethics violation earlier this year for his less-than-transparent handling of a zoning issue in his district.
The former high school math teacher was 26 years old when he was first elected in 2021 — defeating his former boss to become one of two Democratic Socialists of America-endorsed candidates joining the City Council that year.
Now 30, McKee-Rodriguez’s outspoken progressive views have made him a respected voice in local politics and beyond. Last year he scored a speaking slot at the Texas Democratic Convention, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg endorsed him for reelection this May. Nirenberg did not endorse any mayoral candidates.
“Jalen’s ability to create and execute innovative solutions for the District 2 community is a valuable asset for our city,” Nirenberg said in the endorsement. “[He] will play a vital role in our future as he becomes a senior leader on council.”
In a nod to McKee-Rodriguez’s growing influence, this year candidates for school board, city council and mayor all sought endorsements from him.
“To win with almost 62%, with seven candidates running — I think it says something about the relationship we have built with our constituents, that they feel confident in us, and I’m so grateful for the chance to serve another four years,” he told the San Antonio Report at a watch party for District 6 candidate Kelly Ann Gonzalez on Saturday.
McKee-Rodriguez said he still wants to see the construction of a new senior center through, and added he feels like he is positioned in a good place to help secure a good deal for the East Side when it comes to Project Marvel and what’s next for the Frost Bank Center.
“I want to make sure that we get the best deal possible out of whatever happens in Project Marvel, and whatever happens to the Frost Bank Center,” he said. “I feel well-positioned, especially as a senior leader on council who has the backing of my constituency.”
McKee-Rodriguez announced in February that he and his husband are expecting a daughter this summer.
