This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the race for Bexar County Judge through the lens of former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s candidacy. After serving as mayor from 2017 to 2025—a period marked by both crisis and growth—Nirenberg is now challenging incumbent Judge Peter Sakai. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Bexar County faces new and unresolved questions around public safety, health care access, infrastructure, and the organization of local government.

Cory Ames and Bob Rivard sit down with Ron Nirenberg to discuss the motivations behind his campaign, his thoughts on county government’s preparedness for rapid growth, and his outlook on public service. The conversation considers the discomfort some San Antonians feel over choosing between two long-serving and well-known public officials in a race that will shape regional policy for years to come.

Key issues covered:

• Persistent operational and accountability challenges in the justice system and county bureaucracy

• Widening gaps in health care access despite significant local resources

• The impact of state and federal policy uncertainty—on everything from economic development to emergency management

• The need for a unified vision on growth, affordable housing, and essential infrastructure across city and county lines

• Reflections from Ron Nirenberg on crisis leadership, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and severe winter storms

As local government takes on a greater share of responsibility for daily life in a changing Texas, this episode explores what effective, accountable leadership might require at the county level—and why it matters for San Antonio’s future.

We will be hosting incumbent Judge Peter Sakai next week. Stay tuned. 

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #152. What’s Ahead for San Antonio in 2026: Bob Rivard & Cory Ames on City Politics, Growth, and Civic Trust – Dive deep into the pivotal issues shaping San Antonio’s near future, as Bob Rivard and Cory Ames break down key local elections, rapid regional growth, and challenges in civic engagement. This episode provides crucial context for understanding the high-stakes county judge race and why downtown investment, infrastructure, and media transformation matter for every San Antonian.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify