Early voting ends for Houston District C runoff ahead of election day

The District C runoff election for Houston City Council garnered 6,579 early voters during a 14-day stint. According to unofficial totals from the Harris County Clerk's Office, approximately 5,491 votes were cast in person at six different polling locations.

All totals are unofficial until votes are reviewed in accordance with the Texas Election Code.

What happened

Joe Panzarella and Nick Hellyar emerged from a seven-candidate race in April to fill council member Abbie Kamin's seat as she leaves behind City Council to run for Harris County attorney.

Panzarella garnered 33.34% of the vote, or 3,131 votes, while Hellyar received 22.54% of the vote, or 2,117 votes. The results of the April 5 election triggered a runoff election for the two top candidates.

At the polls

With the early voting period over, election day will take place May 16. Vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day, with 20 locations open across the district.

Voters will need to present photo identification at the polls, with seven forms of ID accepted, including:

• A Texas driver license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• A Texas personal ID card (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas handgun license (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas election ID certificate (issued by the DPS)
• A U.S. military ID card with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. citizenship certificate with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. passport

Meet the candidates

Joe Panzarella is president of the Freedman's Town Superneighborhood and lists his top three priorities as constituent services, street safety projects and protecting residents from ICE overreach. He also said in a Q&A with Community Impact that he intends to improve city services in the district, prioritize safe streets and interact with residents through town halls and check-ins.

Nick Hellyar is a real estate broker and small business owner. His campaign ran on problem-solving, investing in infrastructure, prioritizing all modes of transportation, public safety and support of first responders.

To read more about each candidate, visit Community Impact's candidate Q&A.

Something to note

The winner of the runoff will serve on City Council until January 2028.