Texas Public Radio's "The Source" is hosting a series of forums with candidates leading up the 2018 midterm elections. In Texas, more than 30 racesare in runoffs for a party's official nomination. Early voting for the May 22 primary runoffelections begins May 14.
The chairmanship for the Republican Party in Bexar Countywas vacated late last year when three-term chair Robert Stovall resigned to pursue a run for Texas' 21st congressional district.
Hoping to succeed Stovall are two candidates in a runoff: Cynthia Brehm and Jo Ann Ponce Gonzalez.
Brehm, a marketing and advertising consultant, captured 45 percent of the vote in the March primary election. She was a mayoral candidate for San Antonio in 2015 and a runoff contender for the District 8 seat on San Antonio City Council. Cynthia Brehm declined to take part in this public forum.
Realtor and retired educator Jo Ann Gonzalez received almost 23 percent of the vote, edging out candidate Dwight Parscale in the March primary election by about 800 supporters. Gonzalez is endorsed by local business owners and alludes to "accountability" as a cornerstone in her run for office.
Both Brehm and Gonzalez cite the need to diversify donor and income streams for the Republican party in Bexar County and goals to support conservative candidates for political office.
What issues matter to Republican voters in Bexar County? If elected, how does Gonzalez plan to shape the party?
Guest: Jo Ann Ponce Gonzalez, candidate for chair of the Bexar County Republican Party
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.
*Full audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9
