As Texans gear up for the primaries on March 5, the political landscape in Bexar County is brimming with contentious races that could shape local governance. Among the most notable are battles that could influence San Antonio's congressional and state representation, and even down-ballot positions like county commissioner and constable, according to San Antonio Report.
Republican insiders, seek to harness the momentum from the presidential election, eyeing a surge of support from voters who've been MIA since Trump's 2016 run. "There were a lot of people who had never voted before that were there to vote for Trump [in 2016], and they tended to be a lot of working-class people," Republican strategist Craig Murphy, who's playing the game for local state House Reps Steve Allison and John Lujan, told San Antonio Report. But, as history has shown us, voter turnout is a fickle beast – whether these supporters will trickle down the ballot remains a big question mark.
On the flip side, Dems are grappling with their own party fissures, with a mix of old guard and fresh faces vying for control. A dramatic showdown looms with former Bexar County Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez trying his hand as constable – a power move that's got all eyes peeled on the possible ripple effects such a race might have on other local Dems.
While the national stage is set for a presidential drama, our own San Antonio backyard brews its mix of political excitement and upheaval. In a notable House District race, Steve Allison, who took a justice stand against school vouchers, is feeling the heat with the GOP's hardliners gunning for his seat with Gov. Greg Abbott's blessing, according to San Antonio Report. Meanwhile, the Democrats have their own slice of chaos, with Bexar County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores facing fire for her "behind-the-scenes approach," even as she sits on a hefty campaign war chest.
Even county party leadership spots are up for contention, as current chairs on both sides of the aisle aren't shoo-ins for another term. The Republican chair, an avowed Trump supporter, is tapping out, leaving room for a new head to emerge, a move that could tilt the local GOP one way or another. In the Democratic trenches, Monica Alcántara faces Sandragrace Martinez, who's gunning for that top spot after an inspiring City Council run, as per both San Antonio Report and KSAT. With registration closing on Feb. 5, and early votes being cast as soon as Feb. 20, it's a race against the clock for candidates and voters alike.
