SAN ANTONIO, Texas– Gina Ortiz Jones took office as the Mayor of San Antonio on Wednesday morning, becoming the third woman and the first Filipina and openly gay individual to hold this position in the city’s history.
The swearing-in ceremony also included the induction of ten new City Council members, including Ric Galvan of District 6. A formal Inauguration Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Municipal Plaza.
Jones assumes office with a background in public service, having served as Under Secretary of the Air Force and as a two-time congressional candidate.
She won the June 7 runoff election with approximately 54 percent of the vote. This marks the beginning of her four-year term under the city’s updated nonpartisan election system.
The new administration faces several challenges, including a projected $180 million budget shortfall, concerns over potential job losses at local military bases, and an ongoing investigation into recent flash flooding deaths in the city.
In her inaugural remarks, Jones emphasized transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing public safety and poverty.
Jones participated in a public vigil honoring victims of recent flooding, where she assured attendees that the city would release findings from the investigation into the emergency response.
She also affirmed her administration’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and advancing equitable city policies.
The newly sworn-in City Council includes members from various political backgrounds. Among them is Ric Galvan, a 24-year-old progressive organizer backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, who represents District 6.
