Survey: Education among top issues for voters in San Antonio mayoral election

Days after a study named San Antonio one of the worst Texas cities to start a career, a new poll from nonprofit Futuro San Antonio reports that education is among voters’ key priorities this mayoral election.

One in three Alamo City voters listed education among their three top policy concerns, the nonprofit coalition of educators and public education advocates found in its survey. Of the respondents, 65% said improving reading and literacy outcomes should be major priority for the local officials.

About a quarter of the city’s residents were illiterate in 2011, according to a study commissioned by the San Antonio Public Library.

Futuro San Antonio conducted its spring 2025 citywide public opinion poll by surveying 477 registered voters April 2-3. More than half have children in SA public schools.

Education jumped from eighth to fourth place among voter priorities since Futuro San Antonio’s previous survey, conducted six months ago.

“Young people, families and voters of color are speaking loudly — and the city needs to listen,” Futuro San Antonio Executive Director Diana Lambrecht said in a statement. “Education is no longer a secondary issue. San Antonians are ready for leadership that meets this moment with bold, community-driven solutions.”

Indeed, public education has been among the top talking points for San Antonio mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos, who will meet in a June 7 runoff.

Jones, a Democrat, has consistently bashed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s “school voucher scam,” which she argues will defund public schools.

Some 83% of Futuro San Antonio survey respondents said they support diverse school options, including traditional public charter schools.

Meanwhile, Pablos, a Republican who’s swayed between supporting school vouchers and raising concerns about Abbott’s legislation, has warned that San Antonio’s underperforming public schools are hurting economic development opportunities.

Both candidates will offer their views on improving public education during a May 19 mayoral debate at Stable Hall.

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Or sign up for our RSS Feed

Related Stories

San Antonio is Texas’ worst major city for starting a career, study finds

Lack of career opportunities and an average quality of life landed San Antonio far behind Austin, which ranked No. 4.

Despite governor’s promises, Texas Senate’s education bill will defund public schools, critics charge

The Senate’s version of the bill increases teacher pay but but slashes most of the per-student funding increase in the original legislation.

LGBTQIA+ advocates warn Texas anti-DEI bill could involuntarily out kids to parents

SB 12 would also ban diversity, equity and inclusion from being taught in the classroom.

Rolando Pablos accuses Gina Ortiz Jones’ campaign of cheating during San Antonio mayoral debate

Pablos maintains that Jones’ campaign manager texted answers to her candidate during a Univision debate.

Pablos, Jones exchange jabs during fiery San Antonio mayoral debate at Stable Hall

Jones blasted her rival as an ‘Abbott puppet,’ while Pablos painted his rival as a ‘carpetbagger.’

Texas Legislature nearing final approval of $8.5 billion school funding package

The Senate gave initial approval to the legislation. After one more vote, it heads to the House, where leaders say it will pass.

Early voting in San Antonio starts Tuesday. Here’s what to know about the candidates.

Early voting will run May 27-June 3.

San Antonio mayoral candidate Rolando Pablos says he’ll appoint ‘homelessness czar’

San Antonio’s unhoused population has increased nearly 20% since the COVID-19 pandemic, data shows.

This article appears in May 14-27, 2025.