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GOP's Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups

Races for governor in both states also narrowed, according to Cook Political Report.

Politics & Policy

Two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key Senate races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" target="_self">key Senate races</a> in typically Republican states, Texas and Iowa, are a toss-up heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" target="_self">midterms</a>, according to the latest projections from Cook Political Report.Why it matters: The fight for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="control of the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" target="_self">control of the U.S. Senate</a> is extremely tight, and Democrats need to flip at least four seats to become the majority. Doing that will require wins in states that aren&#x27;t typical battlegrounds.

Bexar County emissions testing starts soon: What to know

Bexar County emissions testing starts soon. Here's what drivers need to know.

News

Vehicle emissions testing is required in Bexar County starting Nov. 1, a major change that could mean longer lines at inspection stations and unexpected repair bills for some drivers.Why it matters: The new program is designed to improve local air quality and help the region comply with federal Clean Air Act standards.

San Antonio's home for emergency child care

The first crisis nursery in the region helps parents facing emergencies.

San Antonio families who need an urgent and safe place for their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" target="_self">children</a> to stay now have a newly renovated house as a free option.Why it matters: The first permanent crisis nursery in the region helps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" target="_self">parents</a> facing emergencies ranging from housing instability to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="domestic violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" target="_self">domestic violence</a> to medical care. Its aim is to prevent child neglect and abuse before it happens, Rebecca Helterbrand, president and CEO of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Respite Care of San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://respitecaresa.org/" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://respitecaresa.org/" target="_blank">Respite Care of San Antonio</a>, tells Axios.

NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027

Annual Fiesta event is planning to reinvent itself after seven decades.

A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) organizers are planning a major redesign of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature Fiesta event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" data-vars-content-id="11d374ef-7c3e-45a3-acdb-5234b051c835" data-vars-headline="NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" target="_self">signature Fiesta event</a> for 2027 as it faces financial pressures and a smaller space for the event.Why it matters: NIOSA is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio and has raised millions of dollars over its seven-decade history to support preservation projects across the city.

Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales' old seat

There could potentially be two elections on one ballot.

Politics

Voters in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" target="_self">Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District</a>, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso, potentially could have the opportunity to vote in two separate elections on one ballot this fall.Why it matters: The district, home to more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="778,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" target="_blank">778,000 people</a>, has been without representation in Congress for more than three months since former Republican U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Gonzales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" target="_self">Tony Gonzales</a> resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct.

San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond

2027 could be the first time the city's five-year bond program does not grow.

The San Antonio City Council is mulling whether to raise taxes to avoid cutting the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bond program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" target="_self">bond program</a> in half amid a tight budget.Why it matters: Locals are already feeling the squeeze from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" target="_self">high gas prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" target="_self">inflation</a>. Elected officials have to either raise rates to continue delivering big infrastructure improvements — or decide to do fewer city upgrades.

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Republicans might not gain all five House seats they want.

The Texas primaries this month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offered Democrats some hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">offered Democrats some hope</a> that Republicans&#x27; mid-decade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" target="_self">redistricting</a> last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" target="_self">won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats</a> the party wants to gain in the U.S. House.Why it matters: Texas Republicans, at the urging of President Trump, kicked off a nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">redistricting war</a> for control of the House — but the party leaned on past gains with Hispanic voters in South Texas that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="showing signs of cracking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" target="_self">showing signs of cracking</a>.

Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election

Nirenberg and Sakai have campaigned on differing visions.

Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg defeated Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in the race for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top county job" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" data-vars-content-id="75505bc1-eb01-4077-9e78-1bcf37a4e3d1" data-vars-headline="Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" target="_self">top county job</a>.Why it matters: The two prominent Democrats campaigned on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="differing visions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/13/bexar-county-judge-democratic-primary-election" data-vars-content-id="75505bc1-eb01-4077-9e78-1bcf37a4e3d1" data-vars-headline="Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/13/bexar-county-judge-democratic-primary-election" target="_self">differing visions</a> for the role of Bexar County judge, with Nirenberg arguing the county should expand its ambition and reach, and Sakai maintaining that the office-holder should stick to the basics.

Voter guide: 2026 San Antonio area primary elections

U.S. Senate and Bexar County judge are among the contests.

Early voting kicks off Tuesday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/08/texas-primary-election-paxton-cornyn-crockett-talarico" data-vars-content-id="faeb0fc9-0406-4fca-9acf-df414b03d686" data-vars-headline="Voter guide: 2026 San Antonio area primary elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/08/texas-primary-election-paxton-cornyn-crockett-talarico" target="_self">in Texas</a> for the March 3 primary election.Why it matters: Voters will have their say in high-profile contests for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="faeb0fc9-0406-4fca-9acf-df414b03d686" data-vars-headline="Voter guide: 2026 San Antonio area primary elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-2026-democratic-primary" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a>, Bexar County judge, county district attorney and more.

Voter guide: Bexar County judge Democratic primary

How the current county judge and former mayor are at odds.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="bb83adf5-8b66-4506-b3c2-d4e79ec588bf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide: Bexar County judge Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" target="_self">new Spurs arena</a> and surrounding district, as well as issues with the county jail, have emerged as main points of contention in the Democratic primary race for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bexar County judge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" data-vars-content-id="bb83adf5-8b66-4506-b3c2-d4e79ec588bf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide: Bexar County judge Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" target="_self">Bexar County judge</a>.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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://sanantonioreport.org/ron-nirenberg-jumps-into-bexar-county-judge-race/" data-vars-content-id="bb83adf5-8b66-4506-b3c2-d4e79ec588bf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide: Bexar County judge Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sanantonioreport.org/ron-nirenberg-jumps-into-bexar-county-judge-race/" target="_blank">says</a>.

The San Antonio news we're watching in 2026

Big stories include elections and the new Spurs arena.

A new year brings new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/news" data-vars-content-id="bb84d636-a4c2-4691-999c-24a8ca96e43b" data-vars-headline="The San Antonio news we&#x27;re watching in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/news" target="_self">news</a>.The big picture: Here are three major stories we&#x27;ll be watching in 2026.

San Antonio election results: Voters support new Spurs arena

The election became a flashpoint in local politics.

Bexar County voters narrowly supported a venue tax increase to help fund a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new downtown Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="d8b3e87e-9b33-41fd-85c4-916760e129b6" data-vars-headline="San Antonio election results: Voters support new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" target="_self">new downtown Spurs arena</a>, per unofficial election results on Tuesday.Why it matters: The election became a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flashpoint in San Antonio politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" data-vars-content-id="d8b3e87e-9b33-41fd-85c4-916760e129b6" data-vars-headline="San Antonio election results: Voters support new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" target="_self">flashpoint in San Antonio politics</a> and turned into a battle over the city&#x27;s future.

San Antonio voter guide: Spurs arena, rodeo expansion

We break down Props. A and B and school and state issues.

Election Day is Nov. 4, and early voting kicks off Oct. 20. Here&#x27;s what you need to know about how to vote and key races around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="0aa81928-ace1-49ee-80fb-6adde5ba38ca" data-vars-headline="San Antonio voter guide: Spurs arena, rodeo expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" target="_self">San Antonio</a>.Why it matters: Bexar County voters will have their say in a pivotal election on whether to give the Spurs public money for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new downtown arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/02/san-antonio-spurs-relocation-austin-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="0aa81928-ace1-49ee-80fb-6adde5ba38ca" data-vars-headline="San Antonio voter guide: Spurs arena, rodeo expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/02/san-antonio-spurs-relocation-austin-new-arena" target="_self">new downtown arena</a>.

Common questions about the vote to fund a new Spurs arena

We break down some common questions about a new arena.

There&#x27;s been a lot of jostling over whether taxpayers should pay for the San Antonio Spurs to get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a downtown arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/05/san-antonio-spurs-arena-marvel-economic-analysis" data-vars-content-id="0c265ee5-6f25-42fb-b5a0-00c74f6579b2" data-vars-headline="Common questions about the vote to fund a new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/05/san-antonio-spurs-arena-marvel-economic-analysis" target="_self">a downtown arena</a> surrounded by new development, but voters will finally get to weigh in starting Monday. Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" data-vars-content-id="0c265ee5-6f25-42fb-b5a0-00c74f6579b2" data-vars-headline="Common questions about the vote to fund a new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" target="_self">new Spurs arena</a> at Hemisfair could be the most consequential change downtown has seen in decades.

Election 🗳️

Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales' old seat

San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election

More Democratic ballots cast than Republican in Texas primaries