Democrats Will Target San Antonio Districts This November
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones anticipates electoral gains in San Antonio races as the November 2026 election approaches.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones predicts Democrats will secure gains in San Antonio-area congressional districts this November. The party is focusing efforts on two specific races following recent political shifts in the region.
Why it matters
Local voters are increasingly motivated by economic struggles and national immigration policies. Mayor Jones argues that the Republican nominee for the 23rd Congressional District, Brandon Herrera, does not align with the values of San Antonio residents.
Democrats are targeting two congressional races this November after Republicans redrew district maps. Former candidate Gina Ortiz Jones previously lost a congressional race by fewer than 1,000 votes in 2018.
The players
Gina Ortiz Jones
The Mayor of San Antonio who previously ran in two unsuccessful congressional races in South Texas.
Brandon Herrera
The current Republican nominee for the 23rd Congressional District who is facing criticism from local Democratic leadership.
Tony Gonzales
The former Republican candidate for the 23rd Congressional District who resigned following a personal scandal.
Will Hurd
A former congressman who narrowly defeated Gina Ortiz Jones in a 2018 congressional election.
The details
The race for the 23rd Congressional District intensified after Tony Gonzales resigned as the Republican candidate following an affair with a staffer. Democrats have moved to recruit new challengers in hopes of flipping seats that were recently redrawn to favor the GOP.
Timeline
In 2018, Gina Ortiz Jones lost her congressional race to Will Hurd.
On September 25, 2026, Mayor Jones spoke at the Texas Tribune Festival.
Congressional elections and the opening of a new ICE detention center will occur in November 2026.
Political Context
The electoral landscape is defined by the 2026 redistricting maps which were drawn to secure Republican advantages across South Texas. Democrats are mounting a direct challenge to these lines by focusing on districts where they believe Republican candidates like Brandon Herrera are vulnerable.
Voters should prepare for changes to local representation as both parties increase campaign activity leading into the November polls. Residents may also see shifts in local policy following the scheduled opening of a new ICE detention center in the city this November.
The takeaway
The November elections represent a critical moment for San Antonio as shifting district lines and local issues redefine the congressional race. Voters are encouraged to review their updated polling locations and candidate platforms before heading to the ballot box.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming ballot initiatives and races on our Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texas Public Radio.
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