SAAPAC was organized in San Antonio following the 2004 elections. Local political leaders, activists, and volunteers felt the need for a local presence what would be ongoing, rather than forming around specific campaigns.
As written in the SAAPAC bylaws, the purpose of the organization is:
"to actively promote local, state and national causes and political candidates, and to establish and maintain a location from which members in good standing and members of the community can meet to educate the public and to plan, organize and engage in progressive activities."