AUSTIN, Texas — San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said Friday that Democrats could gain ground in two competitive San Antonio-area congressional races this November, citing public concerns over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the economy.
Jones made the remarks during a panel at the Texas Tribune Festival, where she pointed to inflation, Medicaid cuts and immigration enforcement as issues that she said have affected San Antonio residents.
“I think what’s motivating people is the needless suffering in our community,” Jones said, citing economic concerns and fear within the undocumented community.
Jones, an Air Force veteran and former national security official, said she supports immigration enforcement but criticized the way federal authorities have carried out recent enforcement efforts.
“What we’re seeing now falls well short of how we should be treating people in our community, which is with dignity and with respect,” she said.
ICE facility draws concern
Jones also discussed plans for a new ICE detention facility in San Antonio, which officials expect to open in November.
She said residents generally do not want to live near an ICE facility or a data center and said federal policies will influence how those projects affect local communities.
The congressional races Jones referenced include Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which she unsuccessfully sought in 2018 before winning the San Antonio mayor’s race.
Jones lost that 2018 race to Republican Will Hurd by fewer than 1,000 votes.
Texas 23rd District race
The political landscape in the district has changed since Jones’ congressional campaign. Republican-drawn districts now give the GOP a stronger advantage, while Democrats have faced challenges recruiting candidates.
Democrats eventually nominated a candidate to challenge Republican Tony Gonzales in the current election cycle. Gonzales later announced his resignation from Congress following an affair with a staff member.
Republicans nominated Brandon Herrera, a gun-focused YouTube personality, to replace Gonzales.
Jones criticized Herrera during the panel and said some of his public statements do not reflect what she considers San Antonio values.
“Some of the things are just so tacky I don’t even want to repeat it,” Jones said.
Jones also referenced a controversy involving Herrera’s use of the phrase “cum trophy” when discussing children.
“It’s so beneath the office,” Jones said.
