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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.

What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County

Bexar County uses Flock cameras, while nearby Hill Country communities push back.

Politics

Activists and residents across the political spectrum — including in communities around San Antonio — are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="9b94209f-516e-4ebb-b1f0-5f6de2a6bb68" data-vars-headline="What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock Safety and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns.Why it matters: Advocates say the cameras help quickly track down criminals, making cities safer. Opponents say they&#x27;re a form of constant surveillance that infringes on residents&#x27; civil liberties.

How much Trump's deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers

A new calculator estimates how much Texans will pay for Trump's deportation push.

Immigration

Texas could pay an estimated $23 billion toward President Trump&#x27;s mass deportation push — about $2,500 per taxpayer — according to a calculator from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Economic Policy Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" target="_self">Economic Policy Institute</a> (EPI).Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> should instead fund other public priorities, such as health care or housing.

San Antonio's home for emergency child care

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

News

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.

Spurs begin citywide meetings on downtown arena plans

The Spurs are taking their arena plans citywide.

Sports

Spurs Sports &amp; Entertainment (SS&amp;E) is kicking off a series of community meetings next week focused on the team&#x27;s planned new arena and surrounding downtown district.Why it matters: The meetings are among the first opportunities for residents to weigh in since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voters last November approved the venue tax increase" 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="209cc5ce-89f3-42c7-b8f0-919c37f14f81" data-vars-headline="Spurs begin citywide meetings on downtown arena plans" 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">voters last November approved the venue tax increase</a> that will help fund a new downtown Spurs arena.

San Antonio's luxury homes remain affordable by U.S. standards

Luxury living still costs less than $1M in San Antonio.

Real Estate

San Antonio is one of only five major U.S. metros where a typical <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxury home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/30/homa-texas-ai-real-estate-home-buying" data-vars-content-id="616e0d5d-7e3c-4ba3-bc04-545f822267ba" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s luxury homes remain affordable by U.S. standards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/30/homa-texas-ai-real-estate-home-buying" target="_self">luxury home</a> still sells for less than $1 million, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Redfin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/major-metros-luxury-homes-still-under-million-dollars/" data-vars-content-id="616e0d5d-7e3c-4ba3-bc04-545f822267ba" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s luxury homes remain affordable by U.S. standards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/major-metros-luxury-homes-still-under-million-dollars/" target="_blank">Redfin</a> analysis.Why it matters: The Alamo City is becoming increasingly rare as an affordable luxury housing market. Last year, there were eight major metros where the typical luxury home sold for under $1 million.

Homa brings AI-powered homebuying to Texas

Texas buyers have a new option when shopping for homes.

AI-powered real estate platform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tryhoma.com/" data-vars-content-id="bc4bdb51-03f9-493b-b704-c33fb555c5e9" data-vars-headline="Homa brings AI-powered homebuying to Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tryhoma.com/" target="_blank">Homa</a> has expanded into Texas, promising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/03/san-antonio-homeowners-occupations" data-vars-content-id="bc4bdb51-03f9-493b-b704-c33fb555c5e9" data-vars-headline="Homa brings AI-powered homebuying to Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/03/san-antonio-homeowners-occupations" target="_self">buyers</a> rebates of up to 2% of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/11/san-antonio-homeowners-mortgage-rates-years" data-vars-content-id="bc4bdb51-03f9-493b-b704-c33fb555c5e9" data-vars-headline="Homa brings AI-powered homebuying to Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/11/san-antonio-homeowners-mortgage-rates-years" target="_self">home&#x27;s</a> purchase price.Why it matters: The company promises buyers a chance to offset closing costs by returning much of the buyer&#x27;s agent commission.

San Antonio has nation's shortest down payment savings timeline

Most Americans need 7 years. San Antonio buyers need 1.3.

San Antonio had the shortest time to save for a median home down payment in 2025 compared to the rest of the country, averaging 1.3 years, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" data-vars-content-id="7fa8b2cd-d6e1-43e1-9cbc-556e77852580" data-vars-headline="San Antonio has nation&#x27;s shortest down payment savings timeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" target="_blank">Realtor.com analysis</a>.

Reservations open for reimagined El Tropicano

The San Antonio River Walk icon is making a glam comeback.

Travel

The long-awaited Sítio El Tropicano is coming to life on the San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/07/san-antonio-river-walk-public-meetings-recovery-plan" data-vars-content-id="567a8738-160a-421d-afdf-50371e161f3c" data-vars-headline="Reservations open for reimagined El Tropicano" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/07/san-antonio-river-walk-public-meetings-recovery-plan" target="_self">River Walk</a>.Why it matters: The boutique hotel breathes new life into a long-vacant landmark.

How to protest your Bexar County property value

Navigating the property tax system can be overwhelming.

It&#x27;s that time of the year: Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bexar County homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/03/san-antonio-homeowners-occupations" data-vars-content-id="abb38b1c-fd8a-4de8-9f1f-2708e2e8ec00" data-vars-headline="How to protest your Bexar County property value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/03/san-antonio-homeowners-occupations" target="_self">Bexar County homeowners</a> are getting notice of their home&#x27;s appraised value and wondering if they should protest it.Why it matters: Navigating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/10/how-much-texas-bexar-property-taxes-increased" data-vars-content-id="abb38b1c-fd8a-4de8-9f1f-2708e2e8ec00" data-vars-headline="How to protest your Bexar County property value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/10/how-much-texas-bexar-property-taxes-increased" target="_self">property tax</a> system can be overwhelming. But paying attention to your property&#x27;s value now can help you avoid surprises when taxes are due later.

San Antonio home sellers turn into "accidental landlords"

Being a landlord isn't easy — and costs can pile up.

San Antonio home sellers are turning into what Zillow calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="09b0729a-2aa8-4302-ac53-33a896e95af8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;The big picture: As buyers gain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/16/home-sale-discount-metro" data-vars-content-id="09b0729a-2aa8-4302-ac53-33a896e95af8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/16/home-sale-discount-metro" target="_self">leverage</a> and homes take longer to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/housing-mortgages-march-nar" data-vars-content-id="09b0729a-2aa8-4302-ac53-33a896e95af8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home sellers turn into &quot;accidental landlords&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/housing-mortgages-march-nar" target="_self">sell</a>, a growing share of homeowners are renting their properties out instead.

What San Antonio area homeowners do for a living

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the San Antonio area.

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the San Antonio area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data shared exclusively with Axios.The big picture: Homeownership trends in San Antonio mostly mirror national patterns, though the region stands out for gains in homeownership among health care employees — and declines among service workers.

San Antonio homeowners are staying put

S.A. sellers in 2025 owned homes for more than 7 years.

San Antonio-area homeowners are staying in their houses for the longest time in at least 25 years, largely thanks to their low <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" data-vars-content-id="6ddbdce4-1c1c-4727-9572-872bb6a142cb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" target="_self">mortgage rates</a>, data shows.By the numbers: San Antonio metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/21/san-antonio-real-estate-home-values-decline" data-vars-content-id="6ddbdce4-1c1c-4727-9572-872bb6a142cb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/21/san-antonio-real-estate-home-values-decline" target="_self">sellers</a> at the end of 2025 had owned their homes for an average of 7.4 years.

San Antonio home values are dropping

The state's downturn reflects a regional trend.

More than three-quarters of San Antonio homes lost value over the past year, a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/home-value-decline-35724/" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/home-value-decline-35724/" target="_blank">Zillow analysis</a> shows.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a major reversal in a market that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent the pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/covid-housing-market-trends-prices" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/covid-housing-market-trends-prices" target="_self">spent the pandemic</a> with skyrocketing prices. Still, most homeowners &quot;have plenty to feel good about,&quot; the real estate site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" target="_blank">reports</a>.

🐄 Texas is tops for ranch real estate

Texas Hill Country has top markets for ranch real estate listings

A bar chart that shows the average years needed to save for a home down payment as of September 2025 in the 50 largest U.S. metros. San Antonio requires the shortest time at 1.3 years, while San Francisco requires the longest at 36.5 years. The U.S. average is 6.9 years.

Average time needed to save for a home down payment


Data: Realtor.com; Note: Calculated using personal savings rate, median household income and median down payment amount; Chart: Axios Visuals

Real Estate 🏠

Texas Hill Country has top markets for ranch real estate listings

Spurs begin citywide meetings on downtown arena plans

San Antonio's luxury homes remain affordable by U.S. standards

Homa brings AI-powered homebuying to Texas

San Antonio has nation's shortest down payment savings timeline