SAN ANTONIO – A local GOP official has filed an ethics complaint against San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, alleging misuse of city resources in her efforts to bring the 2028 Democratic National Convention to the city. The complaint, filed by Bexar County Republican Vice Chair Kyle Sinclair, claims Mayor Jones improperly used her position, title, and the city seal to officially request the convention be held in San Antonio. Sinclair cited the city’s ethics code, which restricts officials from using their position or city resources for political purposes.
The complaint was filed on July 8 and partially approved on July 16. It focuses on the mayor’s use of the city seal and letterhead in a letter sent on July 1 to the Democratic National Convention Committee. In the letter, Mayor Jones expressed interest in hosting the convention, highlighting the newly renovated Alamodome and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Sinclair emphasized that his complaint is not an attempt to stop tourism or business but to ensure fairness. “City seal and city letterhead to request a highly partisan organization come in San Antonio. And I keep telling everybody, this is not about stopping tourism our business, I’m happy for that. What I’m trying to bring attention to with this is to do both sides,” he said.
Mayor Jones’ office responded, stating that she acted within her legitimate role as mayor to attract major conventions to the city. The city attorney reviewed the letter and found no legal issues, but an outside attorney hired by the city suggested the letter “may” violate the city’s ethics code.
Sinclair argued for equality, stating, “I’m not standing up to stop business or to stop conventions. We need it. The city needs the business needed. I love it. I’m for the Democrat national convention being held here, from the national level, do it for both sides.”
While Houston is set to host the Republican Convention in 2028, the site for the 2032 convention remains undetermined. The ethics complaint against Mayor Jones has been forwarded to the Ethics Review Board, but no hearing date has been set.