Nirenberg Declares Victory Over Incumbent Sakai in Stunning Bexar County Judge Primary

SAN ANTONIO, TX — In a high-stakes showdown between two of San Antonio’s most recognizable political figures, former Mayor Ron Nirenberg has defeated incumbent Peter Sakai in the Democratic primary for Bexar County Judge.

The race, which many expected to be a close battle, turned into a decisive win for Nirenberg, as early voting and election-day totals showed a clear preference for the former mayor’s “proactive” vision for the county.

The Numbers: Bexar County Election Results

As of late Tuesday night, with the vast majority of precincts reporting, the Bexar County election results showed a commanding lead for Nirenberg:

Nirenberg declared victory at a watch party at Backyard on Broadway, thanking supporters for their commitment to “fixing a broken justice system” and bringing collaborative leadership to the Commissioners Court.

How the Race Was Won

The Bexar County elections were largely seen as a referendum on the incumbent’s “back-to-basics” approach versus Nirenberg’s more ambitious, city-shaping platform. Nirenberg, who served as San Antonio’s mayor for eight years before being term-limited, leaned heavily on his name recognition and his record of managing the city through the COVID-19 pandemic alongside former County Judge Nelson Wolff.

Key points of contention during the campaign included:

• Project Marvel: The massive downtown sports and entertainment development.
• Public Safety: Differing views on the efficiency of the county’s judicial and jail systems.
• Economic Vulnerability: How best to leverage county funds for workforce development and affordable housing.

Sakai’s Concession and Disappointment

Incumbent Peter Sakai, who was first elected in 2022 to replace the retiring Nelson Wolff, expressed disappointment as the early results rolled in. Despite his focus on balanced budgets and “steady leadership,” Sakai struggled to counter Nirenberg’s momentum and the support of influential local philanthropists.

What’s Next?

With this victory, Ron Nirenberg becomes the Democratic nominee for the November general election. In heavily blue Bexar County, the Democratic nominee is often the de facto favorite. Nirenberg will face Republican challenger Patrick Von Dohlen, a financial advisor and conservative activist, in the general election on November 3, 2026.