This post was updated on Thursday, June 25, at 5:52 p.m.
Rebeca Clay-Flores will go up against longtime incumbent Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez in the Democratic runoff for the Precinct 1 seat on Bexar County Commissioners Court.
Four-term County Commissioner Sergio Rodriguezwas first elected in 2004. Prior to his tenure as commissioner, Rodriguez was a CPS electric lineman and worked in the Bexar County Sheriff's office.
Rodriguez’s long history as Commissioner has not deterred Clay-Flores — a former teacher who has worked for the City of San Antonio the last five years, first under former Mayor Ivy Taylor and most recently as special projects manager in the City's health department.
Clay-Flores described Precinct 1 as the most diverse and vast of the Bexar County precincts and said she wants to see more representation for her district.
“I'm always talking about the fact that we need more people of color to run for office. We need more women to run for office. So that's why I decided to run. I am a constituent. I am a voter. I have voted for the incumbent in the past and have been disappointed that he has taken my vote for granted,” she said.
For Clay-Flores, a big part of the role is community engagement.
“I can't claim to know all the answers. I need the community to talk to me about what their issues are, so we can move forward and fight together,” she said.
Incumbent Rodriguez edged out challenger Clay-Flores percentage-wise in the March 3 Democratic primary, but not enough votes to win outright.
The victor of the July runoff will face Republican nominee Gabriel Lara, a retired paramedic, in November.
Early voting in Bexar County is June 29 through July 10. Election Day is July 14. More information here.
Rodriguez's campaign did not respond in time to numerous invitations to participate in a runoff candidate forum before the start of early voting. An invitation for a solo interview with this candidate has also been extended, but not yet accepted.
Guest: Rebeca Clay-Flores, Democratic candidate for Bexar County Commissioners Court - Precinct 1
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*This interview was recorded on Thursday, June 25.
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