San Antonio’s Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has experienced a swift turnover in her communications team, as Carlos de Leon resigned after just three days in the role. His departure, confirmed by Jones’ office on Friday, marks a notable shift in the mayor’s staff dynamics, with sources indicating that de Leon was not deemed a suitable fit for the position.
De Leon’s resignation follows his brief tenure, which began with optimism. He was brought on board to enhance communication strategies, drawing on his extensive experience in public affairs and economic development across South Texas. In a statement upon his hiring, Jones expressed confidence in de Leon’s abilities, stating, “Carlos’ keen perspective and experience in public affairs and economic development will ensure our constituents stay informed about our progress.”
Notably, de Leon is not the only recent departure from Jones’ administration. Anna San Miguel, who served as the mayor’s special assistant since August, has also left the office. When asked about the resignations, a spokesperson for Jones stated, “We do not comment on personnel matters,” providing little insight into the reasons behind these exits.
In his statement regarding his resignation, de Leon mentioned the need to “better align with my passion and experience,” while also wishing Jones success in her role as mayor. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that de Leon’s exit was influenced by the mayor’s decision to find someone who better matched her team’s needs.
This pattern of turnover is not new for Mayor Jones. Previously, her communications director, Gary Cooper, was reassigned to a different city office after less than a week in the position. Since taking office in June 2023, five staffers have either quit or been dismissed, including former Chief of Staff Jordan Abelson, who left within a month of his appointment. Four of the five staff members who departed were San Antonio natives, while Abelson hailed from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The frequency of staff changes has raised concerns among political observers. Professor Jon Taylor, chairman of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Political Science and Geography, noted that the high turnover rate suggests a sense of instability within the administration.
Jones, who previously served as the Biden White House’s Under Secretary of the Air Force, has faced challenges in her leadership role, particularly concerning staff retention. As her administration continues to evolve, the impact of these changes on San Antonio’s governance remains to be seen.
As the mayor navigates these personnel shifts, the need for a stable and effective team remains paramount for the future of her office and its work for the community.
