A Time for Change: Runoff Election Results 2021
June 5, 2021 - San Antonio
First out gay Black man elected in Texas. “Jalen shattered a lavender ceiling in Texas, and it came as right-wing state legislators target LGBTQ people and people of color with bigoted policies aimed at rallying their extremist political base,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund on Saturday. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Activist Mario Bravo defeated three-term Councilman Roberto Treviño in the race for San Antonio City Council, District 1
- District 2's Jalen McKee-Rodriguez has become the first out gay Black man ever elected in the state of Texas
On June 5, five San Antonio City Council races were decided in a runoff. The election results ushered in new faces and confirmed that a progressive-majority council is on the horizon.
In District 1, environmental activist Mario Bravo prevailed over incumbent Roberto Treviño who had hoped for a fourth and final term. A total of 7,533 votes were cast in District 1. Bravo led with 53.5 percent of votes. Treviño trailed with 46.2 percent of votes.
In District 2, newcomer Jalen McKee-Rodriguez unseated one-term Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan. A total of 4,692 votes were cast in District 2. Jalen McKee-Rodriguez won 63.1 percent of votes. Andrews-Sullivan won 36.8 percent of votes.
With his victory, McKee-Rodriguez became the first out gay Black man ever elected in the state of Texas.
“Jalen shattered a lavender ceiling in Texas, and it came as right-wing state legislators target LGBTQ people and people of color with bigoted policies aimed at rallying their extremist political base,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund in a press release. “We need more people of color, young people and LGBTQ people in state and local government who will ensure politicians look to improve the lives of Texans, not further marginalize them. Jalen’s victory is a rejection of the homophobic and racist politicking so fashionable in Austin and it will inspire more LGBTQ Black leaders to run and win.”
In District 3, Phyllis Viagran, the sister of Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, won the most votes in her South Side contest against Tomas Uresti, a former Texas House member. A total of 4,546 votes were cast in District 3. Viagran won 59.8 percent of votes. Uresti trailed with 40.1 percent of votes.
“I’m humbled and excited about tonight’s results,” she told the Sentinel via text Saturday night. “I’m ready to get to work for the residents of District 3 on day one.”
Progressive Teri Castillo won the District 5 race against neighborhood leader Rudy Lopez. Out of the 4,330 ballots cast in District 5, Castillo won 57.5 percent of votes. Lopez won 42.4 percent.
District 9 Councilman John Courage was able to hold on to his seat in his contest against conservative advocate Patrick Von Dohlen. A total of 18,371 votes were cast in District 9. Courage won 53.8 percent of the vote, while Von Dohlen came in second with 46.1 percent of the vote.
“I’m honored by the show of support from my neighbors in District 9 in this election,” Courage wrote via text message. “I and my staff look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors by responding to their needs and concerns and being problem solvers.”
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded