Early Bexar County primary returns show Ron Nirenberg leading Peter Sakai in Democratic county judge race

Early vote totals put Nirenberg ahead as Election Day ballots remain outstanding

Early, unofficial results released Tuesday night, March 3, show former San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg holding a wide lead over incumbent Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in the Democratic primary for the county’s top executive post. With early voting ballots reported, Nirenberg had 75,770 votes (62%) to Sakai’s 46,432 (38%).

Those figures reflect only ballots cast during the early voting period. Additional totals from Election Day voting were still being processed after polls closed at 7 p.m., and results will remain unofficial until the county completes its canvass.

Turnout indicators: early vote exceeded 180,000 ballots countywide

Countywide, 183,875 ballots were cast during early voting, representing about 14.14% of Bexar County’s roughly 1.3 million registered voters. While early voting provides a significant indicator of the electorate’s direction, final margins can shift when Election Day votes and any eligible late-tabulated ballots are added.

Why the contest drew attention: two prominent Democrats, one office with expanding visibility

The matchup is unusual for Bexar County because it pits two well-known Democrats against each other in a race that often is effectively decided in the Democratic primary. Sakai, first elected in 2022, previously served on the bench, including as a state district judge. Nirenberg left the mayor’s office in 2025 after reaching term limits and entered the county judge race positioning his experience running the city as preparation to lead county government.

In Texas, the county judge serves as the chief executive of county government and presides over the commissioners court, which sets budgets and policy direction for county operations. In Bexar County, the office oversees major administrative responsibilities tied to courts, elections administration, and the county jail—areas that have been central to recent public debate as the region’s population grows.

What comes next: general election opponent already set

The Democratic primary winner is expected to face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the November 3, 2026 general election. Bexar County has not elected a Republican county judge since 1998, a long-running countywide pattern that elevates the significance of the Democratic primary outcome.

• Race: Bexar County Judge (Democratic primary)

• Early voting totals reported: Nirenberg 62%, Sakai 38%

• Status: Unofficial; Election Day votes still being added; results finalized after canvass

Election results released on election night are unofficial and can change as additional precinct totals and remaining ballots are reported.