Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election

By the numbers: Unofficial vote results show 62.2% of voters supported Nirenberg, compared to 37.8% for Sakai, according to the county elections department.

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 planned new downtown arena.

• How to best handle a county jail that's often near capacity has been another campaign issue.

What they're saying: "Tonight, you elected me as your Democratic nominee for Bexar County," Nirenberg told supporters after the early results were posted.

• Sakai stopped short of conceding, saying, "It ain't over 'till it's over."

Context: Sakai first won election as county judge in 2022 while campaigning for Bexar to go back to the basics and focus on budgeting and transparency. A county judge's typical duties include overseeing elections, courts and the jail — they have less ability to create wide-ranging policy than mayors do.

• 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 has said the county can do more again — his platform included a focus on public transit. Wolff endorsed him.

What's next: The winner will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in November — though Democrats hold the upper hand in Bexar County.