There’s nothing scarier in politics than a candidate trying to dispel a rumor that no one had heard. But that’s precisely what happened last night, when Sen. Leticia Van de Putte released a press statement saying she had not made up her mind whether she would run for mayor of San Antonio.
The position has been lacking a permanent incumbent ever since Julian Castro quit to become US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (currently, Ivy Taylor is filling the seat, as selected by her fellow council members). In a statement issued late on Sunday, Van de Putte said:
“It is always an honor to work for Texas families. For over 20 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the good people of San Antonio and Texas.
“Recently, many business and community leaders have asked me to play a new role in service to San Antonio, as Mayor. I am humbled by their confidence and support.
“At this time, I am enjoying my family and praying for guidance.”
This is the first time most people have heard her name in this context. There’s a real question as to whether this is a serious possibility, or just idle speculation in the wake of her loss to Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, in the lieutenant governor race. As arguably one of the top positions in Texas politics (at this point, more powerful than a position in the Democratic Senate rump), it would undoubtedly be a major step for Van de Putte. However, she would not be the only Legislative Democrat in contention: Rep. Mike Villareal, D-San Antonio, just won re-election, but then announced two days after securing his seat that he will resign at the start of the next session.
That leaves San Antonio voters facing one special election: The question now is, will Bexar County Dems and Republicans be scurrying to find a candidate in a second special? And what exactly does that mean for the finely-balanced House and Senate, where Dems are already hard-pushed to use the two-thirds rule to block extremist legislation?
This article appears in November 7 • 2014.
