SAN ANTONIO – Despite being a political newcomer, Ana Sandoval has a pretty good idea why she pulled off a huge upset in the San Antonio City Council District 7 race.
Sandoval not only defeated incumbent Cris Medina, she avoided a runoff in the five-candidate race.
She topped her opponents by capturing nearly 51 percent of the vote. Medina came in second with 36 percent.
Sandoval said Monday that she's relieved and excited to begin work as a councilwoman.
Related: Final May 6 Election results
The Harvard graduate and environmental health consultant credits endorsements and her roots for her victory.
"You know, I have friends who still live in the area, grade-school friends and their parents (who) still live in the area. And even though politically I'm a newcomer, I'm just a little girl they knew back when," she said.
Sandoval said after knocking on about 10,000 doors during her campaign, she won't forget the needs of District 7 residents.
"What suprised me, and it was a good suprise, was how many people wanted the ability to be able to walk safely in their neighborhood, or walk to a destination. Whether it was an H-E-B, library or park," she said. "(I'll) make sure their voice gets to City Hall."
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