By Edmond Ortiz
Converse’s longtime incumbent mayor and three sitting City Council members had no trouble fending off challengers en route to election victories on Nov. 4.
What you should know
Mayor Al Suarez secured a 10th straight term as Converse’s top elected leader, collecting 51.9% of the vote for an outright win.
Suarez is a U.S. Air Force retiree who spent 20-plus years working with Bexar County adult probation services. He also has served on several boards, including the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development, Judson ISD Education Foundation, Greater Bexar County Council of Cities, and the Alamo Area Council of Governments.
Prior to the election, Suarez said he feels he and the city have achieved many things under his leadership, and he wants to continue guiding the town when it comes to issues such as maintaining adequate public safety manpower, fostering responsible growth, and enhancing infrastructure and economic development.
Suarez’s three challengers each received 18% or less. Emilio Silvas, a local business owner and chair of the Converse-based Greater Randolph Area Services Program board, finished second in the mayoral race with 17.9% of the vote. He was followed by former council members John Shadron and Marc Gilbert.
“The people have spoken,” Suarez said on his mayoral Facebook page.
Also of note
Despite a challenge from former Councilmember Renee Paschall, Place 1 Councilmember Stephanie Gonzalez tallied 53% and won a second term.
Place 3 Councilmember Kassandra Leon claimed a second term with nearly 64%, thwarting a challenge from Robert Raney, chair of the city’s planning and zoning commission and a previous council candidate.
Leon’s re-election campaign focused on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure and community engagement.
“This victory belongs to you—the families, neighbors, and small business owners who believe in a stronger, safer, and more connected Converse,” Leon said on her official Facebook page.
“Over the past two years, we’ve made real progress together. Now, let’s keep building together. I’ll continue putting your voice at the heart of every decision. Onward—stronger, smarter, and more united than ever.”
Voters awarded Place 5 Councilmember Stacey Adams a second term, as the incumbent received 68% of the vote vs. parks and recreation commissioner Terry Bourland.
