San Antonio is no stranger to political machinations, but the latest move from a former Texas secretary of state adds a fresh layer to the city's forthcoming mayoral race. Rolando Pablos, who served under then-Gov. Rick Perry, is not just eyeing the mayor's seat; he's building an intellectual stronghold ahead of his planned bid. His new think tank, coined Future First, is a play that may bolster his candidacy, armed with data, research, and accountability promises.
While Pablos has yet to officially declare his candidacy, his actions speak as loudly as any campaign speech. Future First, self-funded for now, has already roped in Varun Rai, an energy and climate science expert, to lead its research. Pablos conveyed to the San Antonio Report, "I've been very transparent with my friends and family about my intentions to run [for mayor] and I will make an announcement when the time is right." The organization's hiring choices and Pablos's political background underscore an unspoken campaign ethos—prioritize sustainable energy and practical policies for San Antonio's unique municipal landscape.
This approach to governance is not unwelcomed in San Antonio. Pablos, brandishing his resume—studded with stints on the Texas Racing Commission, the Public Utility Commission, and as a secretary of state—casts himself as the necessary bridge between policymakers and nonpartisan, non-ideological facts. As he prepares for a forthcoming bid, he envisions his think tank as a bastion for credible information that can guide city affairs, especially in areas it directly oversees, like the San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy.
Nevertheless, the concept of a municipal watchdog, veiled as an analytical think tank, has been met with resistance in the past. Public affairs consultant Eddie Aldrete highlighted to the San Antonio Report that while former Mayor Ivy Taylor and Councilman Ron Nirenberg floated such initiatives, they were not exactly embraced by city management staff, including former City Manager Sheryl Sculley. But according to Pablos's vision, Future First isn't meant "to make people scared." Instead, it's to ensure San Antonio's policies remain forward-looking and grounded in research.
As Pablos gears toward the mayor’s race—he understands the competitiveness of San Antonio's political sphere. His international business acumen, from chairing the state’s chamber of commerce international committee to creating the Borderplex Alliance, is an asset he believes is crucial for the next mayor. “If our next mayor doesn’t have international business experience or experience dealing with Mexican businesses or with Mexico, then that person is not going to be effective,” Pablos told the San Antonio Report. Future First, in its infancy, stands as a testament to his commitment to not only the city's present but also its standing in an interconnected, globalized marketplace.
