This city election cycle, the San Antonio Report hosted nine debates — journalistically rigorous interrogations of the candidates’ backgrounds, qualifications and vision for our city in some of the most important races on the ballot.
Our nonprofit newsroom teamed up for two debates with the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, one ahead of the first round of voting, on April 8, with eight of the leading candidates for mayor at the Carver Community Cultural Center, then a runoff debate between Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos on May 19 at Stable Hall.
In the City Council races, we held debates in competitive races in District 4, 6, 8 and 9 at Port San Antonio and Elevate Events, then runoff debates in District 1, co-hosted by Centro San Antonio, plus Districts 6 and 8 at Texas Public Radio’s downtown studio.
Watch all the debates in full here:
June 7 runoff debates
San Antonio mayor
Full story: Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos take aim at each other’s backgrounds in debate by Xochilt Garcia
District 1
Full story: In progressive District 1, will those frustrated with Kaur give conservative Gibbons a shot? by Andrea Drusch
District 6
Full story: Seeking broader appeal, activists-turned-candidates in Westside runoff back off police reform by Andrea Drusch
District 8
May 3 election debates
8-candidate mayoral debate
Full story: San Antonio mayor candidates spar on poverty, crime and Project Marvel in debate by Lindsey Carnett
Top lines: Memorable lines from the San Antonio Report’s 8-candidate mayoral debate by San Antonio Report Staff
District 4
Full story: District 4 race pits experienced staffer against those who say Southwest Side is being left behind by Andrea Drusch
District 6
Full story: Crowded District 6 council race features energetic newcomers, City Hall veterans by Andrea Drusch
District 8
Full story: District 8 candidates hurl accusations in fiery San Antonio City Council debate by Andrea Drusch
District 9
Full story: After 8 years of Courage, District 9 candidates debate reversing course on affordable housing, equity budgeting by Andrea Drusch
