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Mayoral election in Houston, Texas (2023)

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← 2019
2023 Houston elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: August 21, 2023
General election: November 7, 2023
Runoff election: December 9, 2023
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Nonpartisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2023

John Whitmire defeated Sheila Jackson Lee 64.4% to 35.6% in the runoff election for mayor of Houston, Texas, on December 9, 2023.

Both candidates advanced from the November 7, 2023, general election, with Whitmire and Jackson Lee receiving 42.5% and 35.6% of the vote, respectively. Incumbent Sylvester Turner was term-limited.[1]

Heading into the election, Whitmire was a Democratic member of the Texas Senate, representing District 15 since 1983. He also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983, representing District 82.[2] Jackson Lee was a Democratic member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 18th Congressional District since 1995. She was a municipal judge in Houston from 1987 to 1990, and as a Houston city council member from 1990 to 1994.[3]

According to Politico, both candidates campaigned on crime and affordable housing, with Whitmire as the more moderate candidate and Jackson Lee to his left.[4] The Texas Tribune's Patrick Svitek and Maia Pandey said, "Whitmire ran on a platform of increasing public safety, fixing streets and reducing cronyism at City Hall. He also promised to improve the relationship between Houston and the Republican-led Legislature in Austin. ... Though Jackson Lee also focused on bread-and-butter issues throughout the campaign, she sought to position herself as a more reliable Democrat who would stand up to 'MAGA extremists.'"[5]

Whitmire led in polling and campaign donations. Jackson Lee had endorsements from Incumbent Sylvester Turner, Hillary Clinton (D), and Nancy Pelosi (D).[1][5]

According to the Houston Chronicle, approximately 68,000 Harris County voters participated in the runoff election, 38% less than the approximate 110,000 who voted in the November 7 general election.[6]

Elections

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Candidates and results

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of Houston

John Whitmire defeated Sheila Jackson Lee in the general runoff election for Mayor of Houston on December 9, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Whitmire
John Whitmire (Nonpartisan)
 
64.4
 
129,809
Image of Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee (Nonpartisan)
 
35.6
 
71,719

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 201,528
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Mayor of Houston

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Houston on November 7, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Whitmire
John Whitmire (Nonpartisan)
 
42.5
 
107,411
✔
Image of Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee (Nonpartisan)
 
35.6
 
90,098
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
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Gilbert Garcia (Nonpartisan)
 
7.2
 
18,220
Image of Jack Christie
Jack Christie (Nonpartisan)
 
6.9
 
17,364
Image of Lee Kaplan
Lee Kaplan (Nonpartisan)
 
2.6
 
6,645
Image of Robert Gallegos
Robert Gallegos (Nonpartisan)
 
1.1
 
2,680
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
M.J. Khan (Nonpartisan)
 
1.0
 
2,478
Image of Annie Garcia
Annie Garcia (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.8
 
1,972
Image of Julian Martinez
Julian Martinez (Nonpartisan)
 
0.7
 
1,813
Image of Roy Vasquez
Roy Vasquez (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.4
 
1,083
Image of M. Griffin
M. Griffin (Nonpartisan)
 
0.3
 
674
Image of Kathy Lee Tatum
Kathy Lee Tatum (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.2
 
532
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David Lowy (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
368
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Chanel Mbala (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
356
Image of Naoufal Houjami
Naoufal Houjami (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
352
Image of Gaylon Caldwell
Gaylon Caldwell (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.1
 
331
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
B. Ivy (Nonpartisan)
 
0.1
 
287
Image of Robin Williams
Robin Williams (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
101

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 252,765
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Texas elections, 2023

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May 6, 2023
November 7, 2023
December 9, 2023

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Gaylon Caldwell

Image of Gaylon Caldwell

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I want to run for Mayor because I am confident, I have solid solutions that will solve the issues that we face in the City of Houston today and create a better city worth living in tomorrow. Gaylon S. Caldwell is a 33-year-old Black male and 10-year resident of Houston, Texas where he resides in Scenic Woods in Northeast Houston. Mr. Caldwell is a 2018 graduate of Texas Southern University with a degree in Emergency Management/ Homeland Security and a current University of Houston graduate student where he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration/ Public Policy degree. Mr. Caldwell has many years in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, former 911 telecommunicator with the City of Houston, and many years of Emergency Management experience at all levels of government. Mr. Caldwell seeks to reinforce public safety in Houston; continue the fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion; and to give all Houstonians the best quality of living for a better tomorrow via his Priorities Plan. Make sure you read Mr. Caldwell’s priorities for Houston to make the most informed decision, which is to vote for Gaylon S. Caldwell as the next Mayor of the City of Houston."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Priority 1 – Save Black Male Youth - Black Male Youth are born at an extreme disadvantaged in today’s America. They are more likely to be born into a single parent household, to live in poverty, to be arrested, to be expelled from school, and the list continues. As Mayor of the City of Houston, I will work to close the gaps in a system designed to fail young Black boys. Young Black boys deserve the opportunity to be productive members within their communities. More importantly, we must ensure our young Black boys are becoming the best Black men they can grow up to be for the sake of their future Black families and Black wives.

Priority 2 – Marijuana Friendly Policing - As Mayor of the City of Houston, I promise to continue efforts to end the failed War on Drugs first by enacting marijuana-friendly policing. For America to remain united on its approach to liberty and justice for all and equal justice under the law, it must be determined that every aspect of marijuana decriminalization policy and the pursuit of legalization must see through a lens clearly visioning equity, diversity, and inclusion. The best policy directive for ensuring an equitable approach toward the implementation of marijuana decriminalization legislation is Decline-to-Prosecute and the elimination of probable cause given to law enforcement based on the odor or presence of marijuana.

Priority 3 – Gun Control through Firearm Safety, Education, and Awareness - As Mayor of the City of Houston, I promise to devote more resources to ending youth gun violence, first by creating and supporting a City-Wide Youth and Families Gun Safety Awareness Program. Lack of knowledge on firearm safety and proper usage exacerbates the gun violence seen in our city, especially among our youth.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Houston in 2023.

Annie Garcia

Image of Annie Garcia

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a trilingual attorney, small business owner, non-profit founder, Rice alum and mom to three kiddos, all in a HISD. In 2020, I ran in the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Much like now, I ran because I was mad as hell. It was crazy, running without any fundraising, name recognition or party support. But despite those very long odds, I broke through and came in fourth out of 12 candidates. I am running again because no candidate for the most important office in our city is treating the forced state takeover of our schools as the crisis that it is. And in fact, the front-runner, Senator John Whitmire, even voted for it. The state overrode the people’s will when it dissolved our last elected School Board and appointed a Board that answers only to the Governor. The Governor, in turn, has vowed to replace public education with vouchers. All of this is happening as conservatives are targeting school boards to further their agenda, including banning the teaching of racism and even the portrayal of Blackness, targeting of trans kids, and denying undocumented children an education. While the new Superintendent implements his Nonsensical Education System (NES), our kids are falling further behind. The next Mayor must use the City’s power and purse to save our schools. If you believe that public education is not only a public good, but a public necessity, my candidacy is a rare chance to oppose the takeover. Vote for Mama G and tell Greg Abbott to get out of HISD!"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Our School Board Election was Stolen. The Board we elected in 2021 was replaced by Greg Abbott against our will.

Nonsensical Education System (NES) Makes Kids Dumber.

The State Could Take Over Every School In HISD.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Houston in 2023.

Kathy Lee Tatum

Image of Kathy Lee Tatum

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Founder Nonprofit Collaborating Voices Foundation"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Our Underserved Communities Look the Same Because We Keep Voting the Same Officials in with Fake Promises of Resources and Federal Funding Reaching out Communities

BIPOC LEAD businesses and Nonprofits are used to bring in Millions to Same Nonprofits than we have beg to receive the funding

If we don't put new eyes on budgets and Benefits the Back room Contracts will continue and won't add up to the Press Releases information

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Houston in 2023.

Roy Vasquez

Image of Roy Vasquez

WebsiteFacebook

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I'm Roy Vasquez, a proud Houston native and a candidate for mayor in this upcoming election. With a deep-rooted love for our city, I ran for mayor in 2019 and am excited to once again present myself as a leader who is committed to fostering positive change. For over a decade, I've honed my leadership skills in Learning and Development, bringing a wealth of experience in guiding and nurturing growth. I firmly believe that transformative change requires action, not just hope. As your mayor, I am dedicated to being that driving force of change. My vision for Houston revolves around compassion, awareness, and empowerment. Our community thrives when we extend a helping hand to those in need. Whether addressing homelessness, promoting animal welfare, enhancing healthcare and social support, or tackling other critical issues, my main goal in office is to uplift every resident. Houston's strength lies in its people, and I'm here to amplify your voices and make a tangible impact on our city's future. Let's work together to build a brighter, more inclusive Houston for all."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I'm driven by the realization that there's unfinished business in Houston. The opportunities and challenges that were present in 2019 remain pressing priorities. This renewed sense of responsibility compels me to provide a fresh perspective, offering an alternative path to drive positive change.

Being a learning/education director for the past 10+ years, my expertise in fostering growth, effective communication, and collaboration within diverse teams uniquely equips me to unite our community. With a background in designing and implementing educational programs, I possess the creativity and other skills needed to craft policies addressing citizens' needs. My experience in understanding individual and collective motivations allows me to connect with our community authentically.

My vision for Houston encompasses core issues of homelessness, animal welfare, human trafficking, and healthcare accessibility. By dedicating funding and raising awareness, I aim to make a meaningful impact. I believe in changing the public mindset that those in need require our collective support, not just individual effort. As a voice for the voiceless, I am committed to creating a more compassionate city.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Houston in 2023.

Robin Williams

Image of Robin Williams

Website

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Robin Williams got to Texas as soon as she could and fell in love with Houston. This proud Houstonian, respected Texas Police Officer and Marine is a college graduate who also earned a master’s degree in Criminal Management and justice Administration, and she is well-positioned to become the next Mayor of the City of Houston. Robin served in the United States Marine Corps on Active Duty from 2011-2015, and continued her honorable service to this country as a USMC reservist until 2018, when she joined the American Red Cross-International Social Services Department. There she worked as an advocate who reconnected families displaced by war providing support resources to Active Duty members of the military while also managing the veteran’s program at Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center. Williams’ “heart-work” at American Red Cross motivated her to become the founder of the, “A Hero Needs a Story” organization, where she provides a platform for individuals to share powerful testimonies with other veterans around the world. The program is also a source of resources to non-veterans in need, for example, sponsoring economically disadvantaged teens who wish to attend proms in minority communities. Her “heart-work” and philanthropy is tangible, as she donated over 500 books to veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries at Debakey VA Medical Center, and provided Middle Eastern women sewing machines, fabrics, and a sewing course, so they obtain the tools and knowledge to sustain"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Mental health is a crisis not only in Houston but all over the world. It is imperative that the residents of Houston struggling with mental illnesses receive adequate care. Mental illness does not discriminate against race, creed, social status, or gender. Several Houstonian’s suffer from undiagnosed or under treated mental illnesses. Police Officers must receive adequate training on how to respond to mental health calls. Also, Officers need to be well versed on how to identify when a Houstonian is in a mental health crisis. When subjects are in a state of psychosis, individuals can lose contact with external reality. Which can result in crimes being committed. Instead of arresting Houstonians that commit petty crimes (Class-C Misdemeanors

As a community we must address the “elephant in the room.” Police Officers and Houstonians do not trust each other. The residents of Houston are afraid of Police Officers and believe some Officers abuse their authority. The media has grouped all Officers into one bad image. This is not true and good Officers do exist. However, we cannot be oblivious to the actions of wayward Officers that are deemed “bad apples.” The safety of our Officers and the residents of Houston are extremely important. The goal is to publicly address the problem and render a sincere solution. Bring back “beat cops” and establish a healthy patrol presence in the community. Beat cops were Officers that literally had boots on the ground and got to personally know the r

Houston is a very beautiful city, but flooding is a major problem. Flooding has left our communities riddled by destruction. Historical homes have been ruined by the flooding. We have to protect and restore the integrity of our communities. The flooding situation has to be addressed and a solution must be rendered. Historical flooding that occurred approximately 100 years ago are occurring often in Houston. Roads immediately flood after 30 minutes of heavy rain. Several years ago, Houstonian’s voted to implement the drainage fee. The goal of the drainage fee is to collect taxpayer dollars and provide drainage services. However, the city has continued to flood and left Houstonian’s to pick up the pieces. According to Houston based Geolog

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Houston in 2023.

Mayoral partisanship

See also: Partisanship in United States municipal elections (2023)

Twenty-nine of the 100 largest cities held mayoral elections in 2023. Once mayors elected in 2023 assumed office, Democrats held 63 top-100 mayoral offices, Republicans held 26, Libertarians held one, independents held four, and nonpartisan mayors held four. Two mayors' partisan affiliations were unknown.

The following top 100 cities saw a change in mayoral partisan affiliation in 2023:

What was at stake?

Report a story for this election

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Candidate survey

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About the city

See also: Houston, Texas

Houston is a city in Texas and the county seat of Harris County. As of 2020, its population was 2,304,580.

City government

See also: Mayor-council government

The city of Houston uses a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body while the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.[8]

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for Houston, Texas
Houston Texas
Population 2,304,580 29,145,505
Land area (sq mi) 640 261,267
Race and ethnicity**
White 51.5% 69.2%
Black/African American 22.8% 12.1%
Asian 6.9% 4.9%
Native American 0.3% 0.5%
Pacific Islander 0% 0.1%
Other (single race) 11.3% 6.2%
Multiple 7% 7%
Hispanic/Latino 44.5% 39.4%
Education
High school graduation rate 79.7% 84.4%
College graduation rate 34.3% 30.7%
Income
Median household income $53,600 $63,826
Persons below poverty level 19.6% 14.2%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

Houston, Texas Texas Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Governing, "Houston's New Mayor Will Take a More Conservative Approach," December 12, 2023
  2. ↑ Legislative Reference Library of Texas, "John Whitmire," accessed December 14, 2023
  3. ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "JACKSON LEE, Sheila, (1950 - )," accessed February 5, 2015
  4. ↑ Politico, "Houston’s septuagenarian showdown," December 8, 2023
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Texas Tribune, "State Sen. John Whitmire elected Houston mayor, AP reports," December 9, 2023
  6. ↑ Houston Chronicle, "Key statistics from Houston's 2023 elections," December 10, 2023
  7. ↑ Wall Street Journal, "America’s Cities Need Republicans, and I’m Becoming One," September 22, 2023
  8. ↑ City of Houston, "About City Government," accessed October 29, 2014
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