Campaign Website: John Whitmire for Mayor

Profession: Attorney and Politician

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Public Safety
• Strong Economy
• Streets, Water, and Drainage
• City Services
• Bringing Houston Together

Public Service Highlights:

• Texas State Senator (1983 to present)
• Texas House of Representatives (1973 – 1883)

Candidate Introduction (From Candidate Website):

Strong leadership and commitment to public service defines John Whitmire. He has spent his adult life working for Houstonians in our state’s Capitol, and now, John is running for Houston Mayor. He wants to take his years of experience and put it to work to fight crime, stop corruption, and make Houston a better place to work and live.

John has represented a large portion of Houston and Harris County in Austin focusing on improving public safety, economic development, and ensuring government works for the people – not special interests.

As the Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, John has transformed Texas into a national leader in criminal justice reform by advocating his tough but smart crime positions. Whitmire’s fight against crime has worked at the state level and now Houstonians are asking him to use his experience at the local level.

John is known as a “can do” public servant. John often says Houston is not New York or Chicago – we are Houston. We can fix our problems.

John is an active advocate for all our first responders, and John believes we must have the best fire and police departments in the country. Furthermore, John also advocates for small businesses in Houston and across Texas by championing policies that encourage economic growth.

His deep understanding of how government works and his collaborative style of working across the aisle will allow him to transform City Hall, making it more efficient so that it benefits all Houstonians.

Houston is a large metropolitan city and John believes we should continue to grow and respect our differences. Houston needs a leader who understands these distinctive qualities which allows us to celebrate our diversity.

John Whitmire is the leader we need, and he needs your support in his run for the next Mayor of Houston.

“Let’s go to work!”

Whitmire is the mayor Houston needs – Houston Chronicle, 10_22_2023

Listen to a recent interview with John.

Campaign Website: Home | Sheila Jackson Lee for Mayor (sheilaforhouston.com)

Profession: Attorney and Politician

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Build and rebuild our infrastructure
• Lower crime and prioritize public safety
• Fight to house the unhoused and the homeless
• Help working families thrive
• Promote small businesses and enhanced economic opportunity
• Defend reproductive rights and civil rights

Public Service Highlights:

• US House of Representatives Texas 18^th District (1994 to present)
• Houston City Council (1989 – 1994)
• Houston Municipal Judge (1987 – 1990)

Candidate Introduction (From Candidate Website):

Sheila Jackson Lee, an influential and respected voice in the United States House of Representatives, is currently running for Mayor of Houston. Serving her thirteenth term as the representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, for many years she has gone to the mat for Houston’s working families, seniors, small businesses, educators, children, and women. Now, she’s ready to continue to deliver for Houston as Mayor.

Now, she’s ready to deliver for Houston as its next Mayor.

• Safer neighborhoods.
• Better streets.
• An economy built around our working families.

In Congress, she’s delivered millions of dollars to the city’s police department, and she secured the funding for the METRO.

Houston needs a mayor who will stand up to those in state government who want to overturn our elections and take over our schools—and there’s no candidate who has been a stronger fighter for this city and its people than Sheila Jackson Lee.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee received her undergraduate degree from Yale University, graduating from the Honors Program in Political Science. She went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Link’s Inc. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a proud wife, mother of two, and grandmother of twin grandchildren.

Houston mayor candidate says she’s ‘not perfect’ after unverified recording emerges of her calling staff ‘idiots who serve no g*****n purpose’ | Fortune

Website: https://garciaforhouston.com/

Profession: Garcia Hamilton & Associates – Managing Parter

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Invest more resources into community policing and public safety
• Root out corruption, cronyism, and incompetency from City Hall
• Clean up our streets and restore our great city’s image
• Build an economy that has opportunities for everyone in Houston

Public Service Highlights:

• Chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (2010 – 2016)

Candidate Introduction (From Website):

Lifelong Texan. Husband and father of four. Hispanic businessman and entrepreneur. Financial commentator. Philanthropist. Youth soccer coach. And so much more!

Gilbert Garcia loves Houston! Many words describe Gilbert, but no single one fully captures his character, values, and unique life story. As a young man, Gilbert watched his father struggle with racism as a realtor and small businessman, but he always provided for his family. Gilbert is a product of public schools and a graduate of Yale University, earning a B.A. in Economics. He spent almost six years on Wall Street and was Salomon Brothers’ first Hispanic Vice-President. He returned to Texas, ultimately building Garcia Hamilton & Associates from a $200 million bond manager to over $21 billion today. The firm is one of the largest MWBR managers in the country, with 75% of the employees being women and almost 70% being Black and Brown. Gilbert regularly appears on CNBC as a contributor, sharing his perspective and insights into the bond market with everyday investors.

Gilbert’s heart for public service has led him to give his time, talent, and treasure to everything from local community sports to appointed positions with the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Gilbert Garcia has lived his American Dream. Now, Gilbert wants to give back to Houston, which has provided him and his family so many opportunities.

Website: Lee Kaplan for Houston Mayor | Home | Houston, TX

Profession: Attorney, Founding Partner – Smyser Kaplan & Veselka, L.L.P.

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Deterrence and prevention of crime
• Streamlined permitting processes
• Educated, properly trained and fairly compensated police officers
• Attracting businesses to create more high-quality jobs
• Keeping our City clean
• Providing quality opportunities for youth
• Improved city planning and street repairs to reduce traffic
• Addressing flooding and drainage issues across ALL neighborhoods throughout the city

Public Service Highlights:

• None

Candidate Introduction (From Website):

I was born in Methodist Hospital and we lived in Houston throughout my childhood.  I was joined by two brothers, David and Jay, and my sister Nanette.  I attended Condit and Lovett Elementary, Johnston Junior High (now Meyerland Middle School), and Bellaire High.  I had various part-time and summer jobs, including as a peanut vendor for two years at Astros games in 1966-67.

Being accepted at Princeton University was a great honor, and, even though I had a partial scholarship and part-time jobs there, I felt I owed it to my parents to take an extra course every semester and to miss as few classes as possible. I wrote my senior thesis on the Houston Independent School District, which was transitioning (too slowly) from a segregated district to one run by public-spirited citizens who trusted and honored real educators.

I then attended the University of Texas Law School and graduated with honors.  I received a coveted clerkship with a federal judge, Joe MacDonald Ingraham.  At law school, I met a brilliant woman, now my wife Diana Hudson.

In 1977 I joined the Baker Botts law firm and tried cases and appeals, including a pro bono case for an indigent defendant who received ineffective counsel.  The case went up to the U.S. Supreme Court, by which time Mr. Guerra had served his time and been released.  In late 1984 I was very proud to be selected as a partner, and I continued to try lawsuits.

Over time I became restless and explored the possibility of starting my own firm. Diana and I agonized over this, and we eventually decided it was a risk worth taking.  With two friends who were accomplished lawyers in their own right, I took the leap and we formed our own small trial litigation boutique.  Our first office was roughly 1100 square feet.  We could hear every telephone that rang throughout the office, and we would all jump to answer, waiting to find out if it carried the promise of a new client.

Our colleagues at our former firms generously referred conflicts to us, sometimes small cases, sometimes larger cases.  We were busy from Day One. Twenty-seven years later, our firm now employs 50 people, including lawyers, and has a stellar reputation with clients, opposing lawyers, and judges.

Our firm is a small business.  It was– and still remains– an unpredictable adventure. Every time we hire a bright young lawyer, we are doing so with the optimistic view that we will attract clients to keep them busy.  Budgeting for the next year is not sheer guesswork, but it requires forecasting an uncertain future.

Website: Vote Robert Gallegos | For Houston Mayor

Profession: Politician

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Public Safety
• Infrastructure
• Green Spaces
• Quality of Life

Public Service Highlights:

• Houston City Council – District I (2014 to present)

Candidate Introduction (From Website):

Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian. He was elected in 2013 to the Houston City Council, representing District I – an area that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport.

Robert was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. He is the son of immigrants, working class parents, and proud labor union family.

Before being elected, Robert spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the community he now represents on city council. He was the founder and first president of the Eastwood/Lawndale Super Neighborhood Council and served as president of his neighborhood’s civic club (Houston Country Club Place) for over 15 years.

As a Council Member, Robert worked with families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and advocated for non-discrimination protections and issues of importance for immigrant communities.

He’s a strong advocate for green spaces and has committed funds to support and enhance neighborhood parks. In 2015, he helped secure long-term partnerships and funding to restore historic Gus Wortham Park Golf Course and create Houston’s first Botanic Garden in District I.

Robert’s passion for enhancing the quality of life in our community is demonstrated not just by his work to improve green spaces but by his tireless efforts to develop solutions to address nuisances and public safety issues.

He spearheaded a multi pronged strategy to reduce the animal overpopulation in our city. By forming a critical partnership with a well known animal welfare nonprofit, Emancipet. This partnership has facilitated the opening of three new low cost spay/neutering clinics in our city to support the long-term strategy to reduce the number of stray dogs & ferrel cats.

Noting his work and advocacy for resolving neighborhood issues, Mayor Turner appointed Robert to lead the following City Council committees. Chair of Quality of Life, Vice Chair of Economic & Development and former Chair on Regulation and Neighborhood Affairs. These committees focus on a strong Houston, vibrant neighborhoods, and encourage the positive development of communities.

Website: MJKhan for Mayor

Profession: Business Owner – Real Estate Development Company

Party Affiliation: Republican

Issues / Priorities:

• Crime
• Infrastructure
• First Responders
• State Affairs

Public Service Highlights:

• Houston City Council Member – District F (2004 – 2009)

Introduction:

A loving husband, MJ Khan has been married more than 47 years to Dr. Attiya Khan, a renowned cardiologist in Houston and the first female cardiology fellow at the Texas Heart Institute.

They are most proud of their son, daughter-in-law and their four grandchildren.

Building a better Houston for everyone is why MJ Khan is running for Mayor of Houston.

Website: Home – Derrick Broze

Profession: Investigative Journalist

Party Affiliation: Libertarian

Issues / Priorities:

• Expose Correction in City Hall
• Amplify the Voice of Houstonians
• Amend the City Charter
• Protect Freedom of Speech & Civil Liberties
• Overturn the City’s Anti-Food Sharing Ordinance

Public Service Highlights:

• None

Candidate Introduction (From Website):

Derrick Broze is an investigative journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur, public speaker, and activist based in Houston, Texas. Since 2010, Derrick has worked to empower Houstonians by exposing corruption and focusing on solutions. Derrick’s work focuses on reducing governmental and corporate influence on our lives, and creating local independence.

Derrick Broze was a candidate for Mayor of Houston in 2019 and is currently running for Mayor of Houston again in 2023.

Derrick first became an activist in 2010 shortly after hearing former Congressman Ron Paul speak at the University of Houston. From 2010 to 2014 Derrick was involved with local End the Fed protests and worked with student groups at UH to raise awareness on the failures of the drug war and violations of civil liberties.

Derrick also worked with Houston Food Not Bombs to feed the houseless downtown while former Mayor Annise Parker and current Mayor Sylvester Turner worked to criminalize homelessness. He worked with groups like the Tar Sands Project and Fluoride Free Houston to try to clean up Houston’s environment and protect the health of all Houstonians.

Derrick’s efforts to educate and inspire have taken numerous forms, including co-hosting Live Free, Think Free on 90.1 KPFT; founding The Houston Free Thinkers activist alliance; founding The Conscious Resistance Network for multimedia journalism exploring liberty and spirituality in 2013; co-founding The Freedom Cell Network to help build local groups of activists; asking tough questions to local and national politicians; speaking internationally at conferences and festivals; publishing 5 books focused on solutions; and running for Mayor of Houston in 2019 and 2023.

Highlights of Derrick’s work include:

• Helped kick the TSA off Houston METRO Buses, ending civil liberties violations of Houstonians
• Exposed the Houston Police Department use of “Stingrays” cellphone surveillance tools on local media
• Calling for reducing the power of Houston’s Mayoral Position (a measure which will now be on the 2023 ballot)
• Authoring the underground best-seller How to Opt-Out of the Technocratic State
• Consistently standing for health freedom and bodily autonomy for more than a decade
• Building dozens of community gardens in Houston’s 5th Ward, providing organic food for Houstonians

Website: Back the Blue, Houston, Mayor, Political – Robin Williams for Mayor

Profession: Police Officer

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Issues / Priorities:

• Reducing Crime
• Public Transportation (Mobility)
• Inclusion
• Jail Reform

Public Service Highlights:

• None

Candidate Introduction (From Website):

I am running for the Mayor of Houston because it is time for a “change of direction.” The residents of Houston deserve a different narrative. I am a natural born leader and as a Marine, I will lead our city in the right direction. We do not need another politician but a person that is truly for the people. My goal is to put residents first and address the issues that “lurk in the dark corners of our city.”

The goal is to be transparent and to push transparency. Like many of you, I am tired of politicians making promises that they never intended on upholding. Politicians lobby and demand our vote but in return turn their backs on us. Enough is Enough, and I am going to be the change that Houstonians deserve. Our vote and voice matter.

As a Police Officer, I have seen the good and bad of our city. I want to suppress the crime and ensure that the residents of Houston are safe. Being an Officer has been a rewarding and amazing experience. I get to interact with Houston residents everyday and make a genuine difference in their lives. The adage states “all heroes do not wear capes.” I truly stand by my campaign slogan “Back the blue but not bullies in blue.” There is no place for a bully in society and I plan on enforcing that. Our Officers do an amazing job and I want to promote the good deeds of good Officers.

The residents of Houston deserve respect, accountability, and a leader that is willing to fight on their behalf. I am that leader that is willing to fight on the front line and to standup for the residents of Houston. My slogan states “I am you & you are me.”  Whatever problem Houston may or will face, I will be there standing strong with my fellow Houstonians.