There’s a reason why he won.
Texas State Senator John Whitmire, now Houston’s Mayor-elect following a resounding victory in the mayoral runoff against Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, delivered a pointed remark at his opponent during his triumphant speech.
In his address reported by the Houston Chronicle, Whitmire underscored the importance of respect in leadership, stating, “People want to work with me because we value respect. We don’t resort to bullying tactics.” He attributed his approach to his family’s teachings, emphasizing the significance of treating others as one would wish to be treated, regardless of the community or setting.
Whitmire, a fellow Democrat, seemed to allude to Jackson Lee’s recent controversy, referencing an audio recording where she directed profane language at her staff during the intense campaign. Her disparaging remarks included insults and expletives, sparking widespread criticism.
The congresswoman also faced ridicule earlier for mistakenly urging voters to cast their ballots by December 7, two days ahead of the actual runoff election date. Despite these setbacks, Whitmire secured a landslide victory, obtaining 65% of the vote compared to Jackson Lee’s 34%.
Reflecting on his win, Whitmire highlighted the essence of problem-solving in great cities, expressing determination to address challenges as opportunities and urging unity among Houston residents.
Meanwhile, Jackson Lee conceded the race in her address to supporters, affirming her commitment to collaborating with Whitmire to enhance Houston. She acknowledged her service to the city during challenging times, emphasizing her continuous dedication to its betterment, despite the election outcome not aligning with their hopes.
Both candidates conveyed their resolve to support Houston’s progress, signaling a shared commitment to the city’s future endeavors.
