San Antonio’s powerful police union endorses Rolando Pablos for mayor

The powerful San Antonio Police Officers’ Association (SAPOA) has endorsed former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos in the city’s upcoming mayoral runoff.

“This is a critical time for the City of San Antonio to ensure we elect leaders that will put the safety of our great city and our citizens first,” SAPOA President Danny Diaz said during a Tuesday press conference. “[Pablos’s] track record of effective leadership, shared commitment to public safety and open collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensure San Antonio is led with real results and not just promises.”

SAPOA’s endorsement comes as little surprise. Pablos, a Republican and ally of Gov. Greg Abbott, has made funding the city’s police department among his campaign’s top priorities.

“All I have to say is this: We will never defund police,” Rolando said during the presser.

Even so, Pablos’ insistence that he won’t cut off cash to SAPD is something of a moot point under state law. In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1900, which imposes stiff penalties on big cities that cut police funding. The state’s potential punishments include freezing property tax revenue, withholding sales taxes and limiting utility rates.

SAPOA’s announcement days after Pablos’ rival, former Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones, racked up endorsements from Democratic U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Joaquin Castro, former San Antonio mayors Phil Harberger and Julián Castro, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and four members of City Council.

Both candidates are expected to participate in an early childhood and youth forum this Tuesday hosted by Future Ready Bexar County, Early Matters San Antonio, United Way of San Antonio, Bexar County and the Up Partnership.

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This article appears in Apr 30 – May 13, 2025.