Ron Nirenberg Considering Run for Bexar County Judge Against Peter Sakai

Ron Nirenberg, who served as San Antonio’s mayor for nearly eight years, confirmed to KENS 5 that he is considering entering the race for Bexar County Judge, though no official announcement has been made.

“My heart is still in public service. It’s been a very torturous discernment period for me, because there’s need everywhere, and I’m not pleased with the state of the world. I don’t think anybody is,” Nirenberg told Texas Public Radio. “And, so, it’s trying to figure out where can I be most impactful. Where would I be needed the most? And so that’s kind of why I’ve been considering [a run for Bexar County Judge].”

Nirenberg said he will make a decision after the Nov. 4 election.

If he does launch his bid, it would set up a primary match-up between Nirenberg and incumbent Judge Peter Sakai, who has announced he is seeking re-election.

Sakai promptly made a public response to this news. In a Facebook post, Sakai wrote: 

“At one point Ron’s bags were packed for DC. At one point he was running for Governor, then Senator. Now, despite at one point telling the Express-News he wasn’t running for County Judge, it’s clear Ron never found the greener pastures he dreamed of. I, on the other hand, am not searching for something to do. We’re doing it.”

Sakai also expressed disappointment, accusing Nirenberg of creating unnecessary conflict within the local party:

“It’s disappointing that some would rather start fights within our Democratic Party than work together to lift up our community.”

A recent survey conducted by Christian Archer, a San Antonio-based Democratic strategist, shows Nirenberg has a 52%-26% advantage in a potential March Democratic primary.