An Open Letter

An Open Letter to:

• Mayor Ron Nirenberg

• City Council Member, Manny Pelaez

• City Council Member, Adriana Rocha Garcia

• City Council Member, John Courage

• City Council Member, Melissa Cabello Havrda

• Beto Altamirano

At our most recent Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio membership meeting, something disheartening came to light. When asked how many former Democratic candidates for mayor had endorsed her since entering the runoff, Gina Ortiz Jones replied, “zero.” We’ve also yet to see any public support from the current mayor.

This silence has been hard to ignore.

Over the years, our organization has stood behind many of you. We have volunteered for your campaigns, contributed our time and resources, and helped amplify your platforms because we believed you shared our vision for an inclusive San Antonio.

We still want to believe that.

But support for our community cannot be conditional. It cannot end when the election is over or when the stakes become uncomfortable. Right now, Gina Ortiz Jones is facing a well-funded Republican opponent with views that stand in direct opposition to the values we hold dear. These are the same values we thought we shared with each of you.

Local elections may be nonpartisan on paper, but we know the truth. This runoff is about more than two candidates. It is about the direction of our city. It is about standing up for inclusion, equality, and progress when it matters most.

So we ask, not with anger, but with genuine disappointment and hope:

• Are you truly comfortable sitting out this race while a candidate with MAGA-aligned values moves forward unchecked?

• What message does this send to LGBTQ+ residents who are fighting to feel seen, heard, and protected in Texas?

• If now is not the time to speak up, then when is?

Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio will continue to stand for justice and equity. As Harvey Milk reminded us, “Hope will never be silent.”

We are still hopeful. And we are asking you, publicly, directly, and sincerely, to stand with us by endorsing Gina Ortiz Jones.

In community,

Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio