This Saturday, December 9, 2023, marks a pivotal day for Houston as election polls, open from 7 am to 7 pm, invite voters to conclude the heated run-off elections. The positions up for grabs include the mayoral seats for Houston and Bellaire, the Houston City Controller, and council seats for Houston and Baytown. Up until Monday, an impressive count of over 107,000 Houstonians have already cast their ballots, in-person and by mail.

With voter turnout anticipated to hover around a modest 10%, the stakes are high as candidates make their final appeals. Notably, veteran Texas Democrat and legislative stalwart John Whitmire is locked in a titanic struggle for the mayoralty against 28-year US Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. Whitmire’s campaign has leveraged direct mail and social media campaigns to highlight contrasts, particularly on public safety narratives.

Jackson Lee staunchly defends her record, emphasizing her unwavering support for local law enforcement and her proactive role in marshaling resources to bolster Houston’s diverse communities, especially in the wake of national incidents.

In the At-Large Position 1 City Council run-off, retired Harris County prosecutor Julian Ramirez is visible on the campaign trail, engaging with the electorate city-wide. His opponent, Melanie Miles, continues to gather support from Democratic figures. For At-Large Position 2, Houston’s own Willie Davis, a U.S. Army vet- eran and community pastor, is actively campaigning throughout the city. His opponent, Nick Hellyar, has remained notably absent from the campaign trail in recent days.

In the race for At-Large Position 3, Richard Cantu, a local business leader with a history of public service, is actively engaging with communities alongside his family and friends. Twila Carter, representing the Astros Foundation and vocal about local issues, presents a contrasting choice for voters in Kingwood.

The At-Large Position 4 sees Letitia Plummer, a Houston-bred dentist with deep community roots, facing off against Roy Morales. Morales challeng- es Plummer’s Houston residency and policy positions, despite endorsements from various police organizations recognizing Plummer’s long-standing support.

Lastly, the City Controller run-off pits seasoned local politician Orlando Sanchez against Chris Hollins. Sanchez boasts a long history of public service, while Hollins, a former County Clerk, brings fresh perspectives after stepping aside from the mayoral race.

As the city gears up for this election finale, Houston Style Magazine urges its readers to participate in the democratic process that shapes the city’s leadership for the coming years.

For more information, visit www.HarrisVotes.com