Unofficial results show Whitmire the victor of Houston mayoral race

Unofficial results from the 2023 Houston mayoral runoff race indicate that Texas State Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) is set to succeed incumbent Sylvester Turner. Whitmire triumphed over U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) for the Bayou City’s top office, securing nearly 65% of the vote on December 9.

Both Whitmire and Jackson Lee are prominent figures in Texas Democratic circles, having received the most votes in the November 7 contest. They emerged from a crowded field of 17 candidates, boasting a combined century of experience in public office. According to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU News, Whitmire was the leading campaign fundraiser in one of the most expensive elections in local history, advocating a platform focused on crime reduction, street improvements, and community unity.

KHOU also reported that at 74 years old, Whitmire will be the oldest big city mayor in the country. The median age in Houston is around 35, with a quarter of its total population under the age of 18. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that Houstonians will have a new mayor.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK News reported that over 68,000 registered voters participated in this pivotal race, as well as numerous others. Whitmire's extensive tenure in the highest chamber of the Texas Legislature was distinguished by his work on criminal justice and public safety. KTRK suggests that it is likely a special election will be held to find someone to fill Whitmire’s seat.