Voter guide: Bexar County judge Democratic primary
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Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai (left) and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios; Photos: Alejandro Cegarra and Omar Vega/Getty Images
A new Spurs arena and surrounding district, as well as issues with the county jail, have emerged as main points of contention in the Democratic primary race for Bexar County judge.
Why it matters: The election between incumbent County Judge Peter Sakai and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg centers on whether the county should expand its vision and reach, as Nirenberg says.
The big picture: One of the most consequential issues the next county judge could shape is the redevelopment of the East Side around the Frost Bank Center after the Spurs move into the new downtown arena.
- Sakai said at a debate last week he did not support Project Marvel, the city's plans for the arena to be surrounded by a larger sports and entertainment district. It was an about-face after Sakai supported county venue tax funding for the arena.
- Nirenberg supports the plans.
Flashback: At first hesitant about a new arena, Sakai came around last fall after securing a plan for the rodeo to make more use of the Frost Bank Center after the Spurs' departure.
Zoom out: The county jail, meanwhile, is often near capacity. It fell out of compliance with state standards in 2024 and 2025, though it passed an annual review this month. Twelve inmates died in custody last year, and 13 did in 2024, the Express-News reported, citing county records.
- Sakai has said he does not support building a new jail, saying it wouldn't fix the criminal justice system. At a debate this week he said he'd consider a new "regional" jail, though he didn't explain the difference.
- Nirenberg has supported a new jail.
- Both support plans to build a diversion center, which would offer services for people dealing with mental health struggles or homelessness.
Follow the money: Though Nirenberg had outraised Sakai at the end of last year, Sakai raised and spent more money than the former mayor in January, per campaign finance reports.
- Sakai had about $483,000 on hand at the end of January, while Nirenberg had about $347,000 on hand.
Between the lines: The unions representing Bexar County sheriff's deputies, city police officers and firefighters have all endorsed Sakai.
Context: Sakai first won election as county judge in 2022 while campaigning that the county should go back to the basics and focus on budgeting and transparency. A county's typical duties include elections, courts and the jail — with less ability to create wide-ranging policy as cities can.
- Sakai has touted the county's work on expanding animal care and affordable housing during his tenure.
- But Sakai's predecessor, Nelson Wolff, was known for transforming county government, overseeing major projects like the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.
- Nirenberg says the county can do more again — his platform includes a focus on public transit. He has Wolff's endorsement.
What's next: Early voting begins Tuesday and runs through Feb. 27. Primary election day is March 3.
- The Democratic winner will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in November.