The San Antonio news we're watching in 2026
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A new year brings new news.
The big picture: Here are three major stories we'll be watching in 2026.
Bexar County Judge Democratic primary
Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg is challenging Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, setting up a blockbuster Democratic primary election.
Why it matters: The claws could come out between two people who previously had to work together.
Flashback: Nirenberg had been seen as a potential Cabinet nominee for a Democratic president — but those ambitions evaporated when President Trump won back the White House.
- Then, he considered running for statewide office, but that would have been a taxing, long shot campaign.
Zoom in: Former longtime Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff endorsed Nirenberg. Wolff is a highly respected local leader whose opinion could sway voters.
- But two politically powerful unions — for city firefighters and county sheriff's deputies — are backing Sakai.
What's next: Primary election day is March 3. Early voting begins Feb. 17.
Spurs arena, Project Marvel developments
Bexar County voters passed a venue tax increase to help pay for a downtown Spurs arena, but there are still a lot of details to work out.
Why it matters: Downtown is set to undergo a major transformation.
State of play: As part of a nonbinding arena deal, the Spurs would give the city $75 million over 30 years to benefit the community. The City Council has yet to determine how to spend it.
- As the city continues to negotiate with the Spurs, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has said she wants to see new affordable housing and good-paying jobs as part of the deal.
Plus: We'll say goodbye to the historic Institute of Texan Cultures, which is getting demolished to make way for the new arena.
Education, school closures
San Antonio ISD trustees could vote to close more schools in 2026.
Context: The city has seen multiple districts close schools in recent years amid declining enrollment and budget deficits.
- Meanwhile, some suburban districts are growing.
The latest: SAISD's ideal number of campuses could be 50, far fewer than the 86 it currently runs, per district budget planning documents from early December.
- Board members are considering closing Carvajal Elementary School on the West Side, and could vote before the end of January.
Flashback: SAISD has already closed 15 campuses under a plan the board approved in 2023.
Zoom out: The suburban Judson ISD, which includes Universal City and Converse, is also considering campus closures this year after voters rejected a tax rate increase in November.
The big picture: Texas' new private school voucher program, launching later this year, is also expected to chip away at public school enrollment.