SAN ANTONIO – KSAT partnered with Trinity University to host a primetime debate between mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos on Wednesday, May 21.
Watch the debate at the top of this article.
Ortiz Jones and Pablos have very different views on how they would lead San Antonio, and KSAT explored those differences in a televised debate.
“With so much change and growth happening in San Antonio, this mayoral election weighs heavy on voters and the future of our home,” KSAT Vice President and General Manager Ashley Parker said. “KSAT12 is honored to give voters the chance to hear directly from the candidates, in a more in-depth and connective way on all platforms.”
>> Find more election coverage on the Vote 2025 page.
KSAT anchor Steve Spriester moderated the debate. KSAT’s Myra Arthur was part of the panel along with Trinity Professors Juan Sepulveda and Christine Drennon.
Candidates were given 90 seconds for questions and 45 seconds for rebuttals. Brief follow-ups were allowed at the moderator’s discretion.
Candidates were provided with a pen and notepad for note-taking, but cellphones, electronic devices and outside notes were not allowed.
The audience included invited guests, Trinity students and members of the American GI Forum of Bexar County.
This election will see a return to four-year terms for San Antonio’s mayor, something that either Jones or Pablos will be the first to serve.
The city is also facing major decisions on how to balance an expected budget shortfall, and whether or not to fund the so-called “Project Marvel,” a new sports and entertainment district that includes a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs.
“Helping our community, viewers and voters see where these candidates stand on the issues that directly impact them, is our mission at KSAT12,” Spriester said. “Our goal for this debate is to paint the full picture and give each voter the final tools they need to make an informed decision.”
Early voting starts on May 27 and runs until June 3.
Election day is June 7.