As the early voting period in Harris County comes to a close, over 101,000 people have already cast their ballots, leaving one more week of early voting at the county's 68 designated locations. These elections, which hold the power to shape our lives, see citizens actively engaging in the democratic process, choosing from 18 candidates vying for the position of Houston Mayor and numerous contenders in hotly contested city council races.

Last week, the former U.S. Secretary of State and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, took center stage at a spirited rally in support of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. The event, held at southwest Houston's Power Center, was a momentous one, as Clinton, a national figure known for her controversies, joined forces with Jackson Lee, who is equally polarizing on the local scene. Clinton showered praise upon the 28-year Congress Member and former City Council Member, commending her as a "tireless champion" for affordable healthcare, criminal justice reform, and infrastructure improvement. Clinton

emphasized that Jackson Lee's willing- ness to challenge the status quo might make some uncomfortable or even angry, but it is precisely this discomfort that underscores her dedication to the people, rather than those who are already privileged.

Clinton was not alone in her support for Jackson Lee. She was joined by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, another controversial and often criticized figure, who stood firmly by Jackson Lee's side during a week marked by the release of an 11-year-old audio tape. The tape exposed Jackson Lee berating an anonymous employee with expletives and harsh insults for not meeting her expectations. In another startling incident, newspaper publisher Aubrey Taylor at Jackson Lee's Campaign Office initiated a physical altercation, prompting a police intervention after he knocked down Jackson Lee's Campaign Chairman, Gerald Womack.

Prominent women in politics have rallied around Jackson Lee, from State Rep. Senfronia Thompson in northeast Houston, the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving African American Texas Legislator, to Beverley Walker, Fort Bend County District Clerk. Walker made history as the first African American woman to secure a seat on the Houston City Council. She also served alongside Jackson Lee on the City Council and is currently running for Congress in the southwest of Houston.

Jackson Lee's most formidable opponent in the race for Houston Mayor is likely to be 50-year State Legislator Senator John Whitmire, who distanced himself from the re- lease of the 11-year-old audio tape.

Senator Whitmire stressed that he refrains from making negative comments about his opponents.

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