Who is running for County Judge (Bexar County, Texas) in 2026?
Here are the candidates for County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Bexar County.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
Side by side
Each candidate's position on the issues this office handles, from their own record. Details and sources are in each profile below.
| Issue | Ron NirenbergDemocrat | Patrick Von DohlenRepublican |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxes | No public position | Keep cutting them and cap how fast they can riseSaid · medium |
| Policing and crime | Fund police and add reforms like body cameras and use-of-force limitsSaid · low | No public position |
Ron Nirenberg
DemocratProfessor of Practice, Trinity University; former Mayor of San Antonio
Ron Nirenberg was mayor of San Antonio from 2017 to 2025 and earlier served on the City Council representing District 81. He teaches at Trinity University and is the Democratic nominee for Bexar County Judge after the March 2026 primary, in which KSAT reported he led incumbent County Judge Peter Sakai 62 percent to 38 percent in unofficial returns12.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
Policing and crimeFund police and add reforms like body cameras and use-of-force limitslow
Said · low confidence- His campaign vision document says county law enforcement needs to be staffed and equipped properly, and pledges a staffing study for the Sheriff's Office and Constable's Offices. (2026-03) source
- The same document also pledges to refer low-level offenders to diversion programs and to help set up a mental health diversion center for arrestees in crisis, and says to prevent crime the county needs good jobs and thriving communities. (2026-03) source
No public position found on: Immigration, AI data centers, Property taxes, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Patrick Von Dohlen
RepublicanFinancial adviser; runs the San Antonio Family Association PAC
Patrick Von Dohlen is a financial adviser with more than 27 years of experience who runs the San Antonio Family Association PAC21. He ran for San Antonio City Council District 9 in 2017, 2019 and 2021, and is the Republican nominee for Bexar County Judge23.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
Property taxesKeep cutting them and cap how fast they can risemedium
Said · medium confidence- On his campaign website he says that as county judge he will make cuts to non-essential expenses and work to lower taxes anywhere he can, and a section headed "Property Tax Relief" says he will work to stop the bleeding so the property tax issue does not grow worse. (2026) source
- In a San Antonio Report questionnaire he said property taxes have grown eight times faster than family incomes, calling that unsustainable, and listed fiscal discipline as his first priority. (2026) source
No public position found on: Immigration, AI data centers, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.