Dear Friends:
I am excited to announce that I have officially entered the 2025 San Antonio mayoral race, naming my trusted friend and successful small business owner, Louis Barrios, as my campaign treasurer. This decision was not made lightly, but it was an easy one. Many have asked why I would choose to pursue this at this point in my life and career.
The reality is that too few successful community leaders who have excelled in business or served in high-level government positions are willing to venture into the complex and often turbulent arena of local politics. This needs to change. I am stepping into this race to establish a new standard for leadership and lead by example, showing that successful, experienced, and committed individuals can and must rise to the occasion.
But why now?
San Antonio stands at a critical juncture. While the Texas economy thrives with job creation and investment from around the world, many companies are choosing to relocate to other Texas cities, not ours. They are taking our children and grandchildren with them, adding to our severe brain drain problem.
The critical question is: will San Antonio seize this historic opportunity or allow it to pass by? Real progress is possible, but it demands a unified effort and bold, decisive leadership from the mayor’s office to transform this moment into lasting success for our community.
This race will be one of the most challenging undertakings of my life—personally and professionally. Yet, I feel a deep responsibility to the city that embraced me with open arms nearly 40 years ago. Now is the time to act. If San Antonio is to thrive, we need qualified, capable leaders to step forward. I am that leader.
Rest assured; I will take nothing for granted. This position is not given—it must be earned. I am prepared to put in the hard work to win the trust of those I aspire to serve and to build belief in our shared vision for a San Antonio that is a vibrant, competitive city on the rise.
We must stay competitive with other Texas cities by ensuring San Antonio is a compelling place for companies to invest, driving the high-paying jobs that will elevate our entire community’s standard of living and quality of life.
We had a fantastic day with the treasurer filing. We received excellent coverage from both KENS and KSAT, as well as from Express-News, The San Antonio Current, KTSA, and Texas Public Radio.
As our campaign progresses, I will continue to share updates. I sincerely appreciate your attention, encouragement, and support as we embark on this important journey together. I attach a list of some of my life’s public service efforts to illustrate my proven commitment to the community I love so much. San Antonio has been the backdrop if my life and I intend to fight for its success.
Sincerely,
Rolando Pablos
Rolando Pablos
Public and Community Service History
Government
• 111th Texas Secretary of State
• Texas Border Commerce Coordinator
• Chief Elections Officer for the State of Texas
• Chief International Protocol Officer for the State of Texas
• Senior Advisor to the Governor of Texas on Mexican and Border Affairs
• Chairman – Border Trade Advisory Committee
• Commissioner – Public Utility Commission of Texas
• Honorary Consul of Spain – Embassy of Spain
• Chairman – Texas Racing Commission
• Member of the Board – Nueces River Authority
• Taskforce Member – State of Texas Taskforce on Property Appraisal Reform
• Chairman – City of San Antonio Small Business Economic Development Committee (SBEDA)
• President’s Appointee – The White House Presidential Rank Award Review Board
• Chairman – San Antonio Mayor’s Commission on Homelessness Overnight Facilities
• Mayor’s Appointee – City of San Antonio Auditor Review Ad-Hoc Committee
Nonprofit
• Chairman of The Board – San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman of the Board – San Antonio Free Trade Alliance
• Member of the Board – Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Board – GreaterSATX
• Member of the Board – Morgan’s Wonderland
• Member of the board – Special Olympics Texas
• Member of the Board – Capital Access Alliance
• Member of the Board – US-Mexico Foundation
• Board Officer – Texas Association of Business
• Chairman of the Board – The Smithsonian Institution – Museo Alameda
• Texas Development Board Member – The Nature Conservancy
• Board Member – Alamo Public Telecommunications Council
• President – Texans for Taxpayer Relief
• Steering Committee Member – Leadership San Antonio XXX
• Participant – Leadership San Antonio XXIX
• Founder – FutureFirst SA
Research & Academic
• Adjunct Professor (Introduction to Tourism) – University of Texas at San Antonio Alvarez College of Business
• Adjunct Professor (Hospitality Law) – University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Dean’s Advisory Council – University of Texas at San Antonio Alvarez College of Business
• Visiting Scholar – The University of California, Los Angeles
• Member – Alamo Community College District Citizen’s CIP Bond Committee
• Northside I.S.D. Business Careers High School – Mentor of the Year
• St. Mary’s University School of Law – Guest Lecturer (International Business and Legal Transactions)
• Advisory Board Member – Southwest Research Institute
• Trustee – Texas Research and Technology Foundation