As Houston shakes off the final crumbs of Thanksgiving cornbread dressing and returns to its regularly scheduled civic programming, democracy is once again taking center stage. Early Voting for the pivotal Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 Runoff is underway, and voters across the city are stepping up—layered in coats, scarves, and good old-fashioned Houston determination—to decide who will succeed outgoing Council Member Dr. Leticia Plummer.

This runoff election features two formidable contenders: Alejandra Salinas, an attorney touting her legal acumen and fundraising firepower; and Dwight Boykins, the longtime public servant known for his deep Houston roots and respected leadership in District D. Their campaigns represent two distinct styles of service—one built on legal strategy and modern policy reform, the other grounded in decades of community work and broad neighborhood relationships. And voters now hold the final word.

Early Voting Begins with Strong Energy Across the City

Early Voting launched with 1,382 Houstonians casting ballots on opening day, marking a strong turnout for a December special election—especially one wedged between holiday travel and football rivalries. With 30 polling locations open daily through Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 PM, Houston residents have multiple opportunities to make their voices heard before Runoff Election Day on Saturday, December 13.

A few standout polling locations saw particularly spirited activity:

• West Gray Multi-Service Center (Montrose/Midtown) led the day with 244 voters, proving once again that this longtime civic hotspot remains the heartbeat of Houston’s political engagement.
• Freeman Branch Library in Clear Lake followed with 188 voters, braving the nighttime chill to show civic pride is alive across the Bay Area.
• SPJST Lodge on Beall Street in The Heights added 103 voters, reinforcing The Heights' ever-consistent voting culture.
• Moody Park Community Center and Bayland Park rounded out the top group—historic spaces fueling historic participation.

Across neighborhoods—Kingwood, Spring Branch, Hiram Clarke, Acres Homes, Northeast Houston, West Houston, and the HCC West Loop campus—voters showed up steadily, demonstrating that Houston’s commitment to democracy stretches far beyond the Inner Loop.

Two Candidates, Two Visions, One Seat That Matters Citywide

In last month’s Special Election, Salinas and Boykins emerged nearly neck-and-neck, earning 21% and 20% of the vote respectively in a crowded field of more than a dozen candidates. Now, in the runoff, the contrast between the finalists is even sharper—and more compelling.

Alejandra Salinas

• A rising legal force with a downtown law practice
• Boasts a robust fundraising operation exceeding $500,000
• Represents a younger wave of civic professionals seeking structural reform and modern governance

Dwight Boykins

• A respected former District D City Council Member
• Known for his decades of service to Third Ward, Sunnyside, South Union, and neighborhoods across Houston
• Supported by notable leaders including former Mayor Lee Brown, former Police Chief Clarence Bradford, and Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum

This race is not merely about who will fill an at-large seat—it’s about which vision Houstonians believe will best guide the city through a rapidly changing political, economic, and social landscape.

A Turning Point for Dr. Leticia Plummer—and for Harris County

Immediately after the runoff, Dr. Leticia Plummer, who has served honorably since 2019, will step down to focus full-time on her campaign for Harris County Judge, entering the Super Tuesday Democratic Primary on March 3. With former Houston Mayor Annise Parker currently the only other declared candidate, this contest is already shaping up to be one of 2026’s most watched regional races.

Outgoing leaders transitioning to new chapters and new contenders stepping up to serve—this is democracy at its finest: evolving, responsive, and powered by everyday voters.

Why This Runoff Matters—And Why Houston Style Magazine Readers Should Vote

Runoff elections are where every voice carries even more weight. With lower turnout typical in December, a single vote becomes exponentially more powerful—and Houston’s future direction in public safety, infrastructure, economic growth, and community equity depends on engagement at every level.

This race speaks to the heart of Houston’s democratic spirit:

• Citywide representation in the At-Large positions ensures every neighborhood is heard.
• Leadership transitions offer new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
• A close, competitive runoff means Houstonians truly shape the outcome—not national politics, not party machines, but everyday residents participating in the process.

And in a moment when democracy across the nation faces extraordinary pressure, Houston continues to model what civic strength looks like: informed citizens, accessible elections, and passionate candidates eager to serve.

How & When to Vote

Early Voting
✔ Now through Tuesday, December 9
✔ Polls open daily; hours vary by location
✔ 30 polling sites across Houston

Runoff Election Day
Saturday, December 13
Polls open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Visit HarrisVotes.com for polling locations, wait times, and sample ballots.

The Final Word: Houston Votes, Houston Leads

As Houstonians head back to the polls, one thing is clear: our city remains a vibrant example of what democracy can look like when people show up. Whether you lean toward experience or innovation, community legacy or legal strategy, the power is in your hands.

This runoff is more than a race—it’s an opportunity to reaffirm Houston’s leadership, resilience, and civic pride.

Houston, let’s do what we do best: vote like the future depends on it—because it does.