Houston Mayoral Election Sees Runoff Between Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire on Dec. 9

Veteran lawmakers to face off in mayoral contest dominated by crime, infrastructure issues; Jackson Lee could be Houston's first Black female mayor.

Longtime Democratic lawmakers Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire are in a runoff for Houston's mayoral position set for December 9. Neither candidate received over 50% of the vote in the general election, with Whitmire securing 43% and Jackson Lee obtaining 38% of the votes.
If elected, Jackson Lee would make history as Houston's first Black female mayor. Both candidates have extensive political experience, with Jackson Lee representing Houston in Congress since 1995 and Whitmire being a five-decade veteran of the Texas Legislature.
The mayoral race's central issues have been crime, infrastructure degradation, and potential budget shortfalls. Whitmire has proposed bringing in state troopers to address staffing shortages at the Houston Police Department, while Jackson Lee emphasizes reallocating the city budget to address and prevent crime.
Jackson Lee came under fire after a leaked audio recording alleged to capture her in a profanity-laced rant towards staff members. Although she expressed regret for the incident, it raised questions about her temperament and leadership abilities.
The election has been scrutinized due to a new law that allows the state to take control of voting in Harris County, home to Houston, if there is a 'recurring pattern of problems' with elections. The new mayor will be tasked with leading one of the country's most diverse cities, grappling with Houston's booming growth, and the city's transition to cleaner energy.