Share this @internewscast.com

The battle to be the next mayor of Houston is headed to a runoff next month, NBC News projects, pitting Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire against Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee after neither candidate received a majority in the all-party primary.

A crowded field of candidates jumped into the race to succeed Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat who was not allowed to run for a third term. But Whitmire and Jackson Lee separated themselves from the pack in the country’s fourth-largest city.

The first-round election comes just weeks after the leak of an audio clip allegedly with Jackson Lee spouting profanities to her staff.

Jackson Lee has expressed regret for the comments in the clip. But in a debate on Oct. 31, she accused Whitmire of being behind the leak. “Clearly, that was a Whitmire operative who attempted to place that in the midst of the early vote,” she said.

Whitmire responded, “I have not said one negative word in this entire campaign about any of my opponents.”

Crime is at the forefront of voters’ minds and both candidates’ campaigns, as in many political races this year. Whitmire and Jackson Lee, who share a party and hold similar views on other political issues, have voiced different opinions about this one.

A shrinking Houston Police Department has raised questions about the future of Turner’s “One Safe Houston” anti-crime initiative. Whitmire supports bringing in state troopers for extra support.

“Their helicopters, their anti-gang task force, their forensics,” Whitmire said. “Their resources would be so valuable.”

Jackson Lee supports reassessing and reallocating the city budget to address and prevent crime.

“We make sure we overhaul unnecessary city expenses so we have the funds as we build up our revenue and make sure we have violence interruption programs,” she said.

Turner, who was first elected mayor in 2015, has not endorsed in the campaign.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
Man busted with anti-government, anti-Trump documents after Texas ICE ambush suspect phone call, feds say

Federal Authorities Claim Texas ICE Ambush Suspect Found with Anti-Government and Anti-Trump Documents

A man accused of tampering with evidence related to the attack on…
Parents crashing honeymoons becomes bizarre new travel trend

Unexpected Trend: Parents Tagging Along on Honeymoon Trips

Traditionally, a honeymoon serves as a unique getaway for newlyweds to relax…
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Musk-backed Neuralink chip

Neuralink Installs Brain Chip in Fifth Paralyzed Patient

A fifth paralyzed patient has been implanted with a Neuralink chip backed…
Anti-ICE Protestors Douse Themselves in Milk to Fight Off Pepper Spray at Cannabis Facility in California

Protesters Against ICE Use Milk to Counteract Pepper Spray at California Cannabis Facility

An extensive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred at Glass House…
US Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago field office touts progress after major fentanyl busts: ABC7 I-TEAM EXCLUSIVE

The Chicago DEA Highlights Success After Significant Fentanyl Seizures: An Exclusive Report by ABC7 I-TEAM

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team spoke exclusively with Chicago’s top drug…
Texas man on probation allegedly chases ICE vehicle, damages it after enforcement raid

Texas man on probation reportedly pursues and damages ICE vehicle following enforcement raid

Authorities reported that a man, who was released on bond for a…
Photo of Carolina Wilga at a petrol station.

Backpacker Carolina Winger, 26, Found Alive After Nearly Two Weeks Lost in Australian Wilderness

A GERMAN backpacker missing for nearly two weeks in the remote Australian…
When Does ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Come Out on Apple TV+?

When Is ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Premiering on Apple TV+?

Since its debut in 2019, Apple TV+ has quietly emerged as a…
Israel Coalition Against Houthis: Pressuring US for Yemen Strikes

Israel Coalition Advocates for US Intervention: Urging Strikes on Houthis in Yemen

Israel is urging the United States to resume military operations against Yemen’s…
NWS faces vacancies in Florida offices as 2025 hurricane season ramps up

NWS Struggles with Florida Office Vacancies as 2025 Hurricane Season Intensifies

Tom Fahy, the Legislative Director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization,…
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Putin Supporters Celebrate Bold Daytime Assassination of Ukrainian Spy Chief, Hint at Kremlin Involvement

VLADIMIR Putin’s associates have openly celebrated the bold assassination of the Ukrainian…