The setup
Candidates running for Position 4 were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. They were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Something to note
Letitia Plummer previously held the seat but resigned her position in July to run for the Harris County judge position. She served in the position for five years.
Council members are limited to serving two terms of four years each, according to the city of Houston website, with terms typically beginning Jan. 2.
Early voting begins Oct. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
One more thing
Candidates Al Lloyd, J. Brad Batteau and Kathy L. Tatum did not respond to the questionnaire by press time.
Dwight A. Boykins
Experience:
I previously served six years under two mayors as a Council member for District D.
Occupation:
Entrepreneur/small business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.dwightboykins.com
Contact Information:
832-925-4091
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
Experience matters. The city is projected to face a roughly $80 M budget shortfall, the potential restructuring of long-term debt, and is challenged with maintaining critical city services while actively addressing crime reduction. I have helped Houston navigate these waters before. I am ready to accept the challenge once again.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will support city's plans to increase its Budget Stabilization Fund balance. I will moreover join local leaders in keeping the pressure on the state and General Land Office as it systematically diverts federal flood control and mitigation funds away from the Texas’s most populated city affected—Houston.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Affordable housing, fair wages, and public safety. In the past, I actively served residents of Council District D and have the record to prove it. As an at-large member, I look forward to working with city leaders to develop common-sense solutions to these issues that benefit all Houstonians.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
If elected, I will encourage increased engagement between the city’s public safety professionals and the public they serve. I will introduce initiatives that address enhancing public safety in strategic ways that will make our neighborhoods, parks, transit systems, and venues safe for all to enjoy.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Implement a Community Policing/Mentoring Program, coordinate with state officials and stakeholders to better protect Houston from future storms and flooding events, protect the Moving Houston Forward Infrastructure Program, expand the Seniors Assistance Program city-wide.
Martina Lemond Dixon
Experience:
Businesswoman, background in construction and business, former Humble ISD trustee, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Occupation:
CEO and business executive consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.voteformartina.com
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I’m running for City Council to champion fiscal responsibility, public safety, and improved quality of life. As a businesswoman and community leader, I know how to balance budgets and cut waste. My goal is practical, results-driven solutions that keep Houston affordable and thriving for families and businesses.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Long-term planning paired with necessary upgrades is key. Future projects need to have flood risk at the forefront of discussions while we institute regular audits of drainage projects, streamline permitting for critical infrastructure, and update infrastructure. By prioritizing high-impact projects, Houston can better prepare for flooding and extreme weather events.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
The biggest issues are public safety, aging infrastructure, and cost of living. Houstonians deserve safe, quality lives without being taxed out of their homes. I will ensure every hard-earned tax dollar is used wisely, focusing on core services, cutting waste, and investing in projects that deliver real value to residents.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
I will support law enforcement with the resources and training they need while demanding accountability and efficiency. By investing in training and equipment and strengthening first responder infrastructure, we can ensure safer neighborhoods and restore public trust in Houston’s commitment to safety.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My core priorities are fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure. The City Council must be good stewards of the community’s hard-earned tax dollars, prioritize keeping our neighborhoods safe, and invest in reliable roads, drainage, and utilities. These fundamentals are essential for Houston families, businesses, and long-term growth.
Miguel Herrera
Experience:
University of Houston-Downtown Undergraduate Student Government Association, former treasurer/current student-body vice-president
Occupation:
Full-time college student
Candidate Website:
https://linktr.ee/herrera4htx
Contact Information:
346-365-9748
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I am running because it is time for Houston to have a new generation of leadership and given the current political climate it is time for my generation to have its voices heard.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will ensure this by advocating for improvement projects to the drainage system, strengthening building codes and bringing regional and federal support.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
The issues that Houstonians are facing are failing infrastructure, flooding, and lack of law & order. I will address these issues by introducing reforms, and incentives to direct funding to critical infrastructure, and improve drainage and flood mitigation.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
I will help maintain public safety in Houston by creating community policing divisions and placing them in high-risk areas where crimes take place, introduce a surveillance camera system in dense areas to catch illegal activity, introduce heavier penalties for all small crimes such as robbery, car theft and introduce reforms. ...
What are your core priorities if elected?
If elected my core priorities are 1. Combat illegal dumping in neighborhoods. 2. Reduce wasteful spending of city funds. 3. Affordable housing for next-generation Houstonians
Ethan Hale
Experience:
Coordination with community groups, leading a volunteer team, outreach to both electeds and community
Occupation:
Student/steering committee of Recall Houston
Candidate Website:
https://www.haleforhouston.com
Contact Information:
512-524-6534
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
Houston is on a bad path, we’re overspending on police at the expense of drainage, services, and our crumbling infrastructure. The same police are cooperating with ICE, abusing protesters, and criminalizing the homeless. The city isn't just complicit with the rising tide of fascism but an active participant.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will pursue funding for our long-neglected drainage. CenterPoint has proven they can't be trusted in a disaster, municipalizing CenterPoint would stop their cost-cutting and ignoring of regulations. Maintaining a close working relationship with the community groups that will be there when the city fails to show up.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Income inequality. This manifests in multiple ways, through disparities in transit, drainage, healthcare, clean air, education, economic opportunity. Our water supply is on the verge of collapse, and the problem is being exacerbated by data centers. We should invest in water treatment plants and shut down new data center developments.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
If you want to reduce crime you reduce poverty. Contrary to the beliefs of many electeds, "public safety" is about funding more than police, it's about funding the departments that respond to disasters. Food, housing, healthcare, are all public safety and will improve lives more than any spending on police.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Ending HPD's cooperation with ICE, bringing about more transparency and community input on projects that affect them. Bridging the gap in services in the face of federal cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, education, NOAA, etc. I would like to see the creation of a joint city/county public insurance program.
Alejandra Salinas
Experience:
Stopped Republican efforts to overturn Harris County elections; challenged political gerrymandering and discriminatory school practices
Occupation:
Attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.alejandrasalinas.com
Contact Information:
713-396-0048
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I came to Houston a decade ago and fell in love with the city. I’m fighting for what my neighbors want and every Houstonian deserves: safer neighborhoods, affordable and reliable city services, and a strong infrastructure that keeps the lights on and keeps floodwaters out of our homes and cars.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Let’s get the basics right: increased ditch maintenance, expanded Stormwater Action Teams for drainage hotspots, and more reliance on dual-use solutions like detention ponds that serve as greenspace in drier periods. Because floodwaters don’t stop at the city limits, let’s pursue regional partnerships and long-term solutions like the Ike Dike.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Public safety, affordable and reliable city services, and infrastructure. I will work closely with the city controller to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of city programs and services, and with the administration to generate new sources of revenue, including investing in grant writers to secure more nonprofit and foundation funding.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
I prefer a balanced approach: Keep violent criminals off the streets with effective law enforcement; prevent crime and reduce gun violence with proven public health strategies and diversion programs that get mental health treatment to those who need it; protect neighborhoods from illegal dumping, after-hours noise, trash, and car break-ins.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Govern with compassion, listen with respect, lead with transparency, prioritize public input, strive for equity, fight for equality, speak with honesty, and serve with integrity.
Jordan Thomas
Experience:
Chief of staff: Amanda Edwards & Letitia Plummer, board of directors: Link Houston & ACLU TX
Occupation:
Power grid infrastructure developer
Candidate Website:
https://www.votejordanthomas.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I’m running because I believe Houston is being told it’s “broke, incapable, and uninspiring,” and I flatly reject that. Having worked inside City Hall as chief of staff, then in the private sector pushing big infrastructure projects, I have both the experience and drive to reclaim Houston’s promise.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will push a “worst-first” stormwater infrastructure policy- prioritizing drainage projects not by political favor but by up-to-date assessments of flood risk, infrastructure condition, and social vulnerability. I’ll also expand green infrastructure: reorient parks along watershed lines, increase shade, incentivize cool roof retrofits, and ensure public land/parks serve dual purposes for recreation/climate resilience.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
I’ll address: - Housing through reforms like transferring vacant MRA lots to community land trusts, strengthening the affordable housing trust fund, and building a comprehensive housing plan that coordinates all city entities. -Extreme weather like flooding/heat through worst-first and green infrastructure investment. -Public safety by rethinking how we invest in physical and social infrastructure.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Public safety to me is infrastructure: well-designed streets, safe lighting, stable housing, trust in government/community spaces—not solely more patrols. I’ll recommit to Vision Zero, using evidence-based street design to reduce crashes. Also, I’ll fight to codify limits on cooperation between HPD and ICE to protect vulnerable Houstonians, and invest in violence intervention programs and youth services.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Affordable housing—Reclaim public land, transfer vacant lots for permanently affordable housing, enforce affordability, create trust funds and oversight. Climate resilient infrastructure—Prioritize stormwater projects with a worst-first model, heat mitigation through shade, cool roofs, and resilient public spaces. Transportation & safe streets—Uphold voter-approved transit (METRONext), rebuild sidewalks, improve crossings ...
Sonia Rivera
Experience:
20 years protecting communities from gangs, drugs, and homelessness;15 years in business, construction, housing
Occupation:
Consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.soniarivera.us
Contact Information:
832-790-9140
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I’m running for Houston City Council to deliver results, not rhetoric. I’ll focus on safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and smarter use of taxpayer dollars. With over 30 years of experience in policy, advocacy, political, and community leadership, I will bring proven solutions that improve everyday life for Houstonians.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will utilize my business and governmental experience to ensure Houston is prepared by investing in resilient drainage and flood control, cutting red tape that delays projects, and holding contractors accountable. My focus is on proactive, community-driven solutions that protect families, safeguard property, and strengthen our city for the future.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Houstonians face rampant criminal activity, a lack of affordable housing, and limited access to healthcare. I will back law enforcement, cut red tape to expand housing options, and support community-based healthcare solutions that put families first. My focus is on safety, stability, and opportunity without higher taxes or bigger government.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
I will continue supporting law enforcement, strengthening community-police communication, and backing policies that hold criminals accountable. I will work with local, county, and state officials to ensure Houston neighborhoods are safe, families are protected, and our officers have the tools they need to succeed.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My top priorities are ensuring budget transparency, supporting law enforcement to fight violent crime and human trafficking, and building strong community partnerships. I will focus on practical, accountable solutions that protect families, uphold law and order, and empower Houstonians without expanding government or raising taxes.
Kristal Mtaza-Lyons
Experience:
Nonprofit leadership; workforce development; public health advocate
Occupation:
Executive director, Houston Strong Children Services; entrepreneur
Candidate Website:
https://www.kristalforhouston.com
Contact Information:
713-443-5993
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I am running because Houston raised me. I’ve lived in nearly every part of this city, and the exposure, diversity, and resilience of our communities shaped me into the leader I am today. During Hurricane Harvey, I was on the ground helping residents navigate crisis, and that experience deepened my commitment to serve ...
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will champion smarter, forward-thinking infrastructure that saves lives and money. By deploying real-time drainage sensors, adaptive green systems, and calling competitive RFPs from top experts, we’ll secure the best solutions. These projects will cut disaster costs, lower insurance rates, create good-paying jobs, and prepare every neighborhood for a safer, stronger future.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Houston’s biggest challenges are poverty, housing, safety, wages, and infrastructure and they are all tied to workforce development. I will drive apprenticeships, livable-wage jobs, and employer accountability for tax breaks, while linking housing policy to income growth. By expanding opportunity, training locals to build resilient infrastructure, and strengthening safety through jobs ...
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Public safety is about prevention and trust. I will prioritize community policing, expand mental health response teams, and invest in youth programs that keep young people on positive paths. Strengthening neighborhoods and supporting first responders with modern tools will keep our city safer.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My priorities reflect the city that raised me: equity and workforce development to open career pathways, smarter infrastructure to protect families and create jobs, stronger public health and safety programs, and affordable housing tied to opportunity. These aren’t promises, they’re the work I’ve already been doing to help families, youth, and neighborhoods thrive for years.
Sheraz Mohammad Siddiqui
Experience:
Volunteer with flood relief efforts. Coordinated food drives. Recipient of Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Occupation:
Small business owner and trader
Contact Information:
832-879-1439
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I am running for City Council because every Houstonian deserves representation that truly understands their concerns. My goal is to bring practical solutions to City Hall ensuring safer neighborhoods, flood mitigation, support policies that will help small businesses and boost the economy.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will support investing in infrastructure, push for proper drainage system and its maintenance. Ensuring that Houstonians are informed ahead of time, our centers are ready and emergency supplies are stored at various locations which will be pre-staged in the event of a hurricane or other emergency throughout the city.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
The biggest issues are public safety, flooding and affordability. Houstonians struggle with safety concerns, infrastructure gaps and rising costs. I will address these challenges by allocating and long-term solutions. Collaborate with agencies and partners and ensure resources reach communities creating a safer, stronger and more affordable Houston.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Public safety means more than policing, it means prevention. I will support law enforcement while also expanding crime prevention programs and mental health resources. By these collaborations and support we can make our neighborhood safer where Houstonians will feel secure and supported.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My core priorities are ensuring public safety, investing in infrastructure, flood mitigation and proper drainage maintenance. Support policies that will make our small businesses thrive and be available to the community for any concerns they may have.
Angie Thibodeaux
Experience:
HBCU graduate. 20 years as corporate executive. Spent 15 years in advocacy & community organizing
Occupation:
National community organizer
Candidate Website:
https://www.adthibodeaux.com
Contact Information:
832-891-9816
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
The reason I chose to run was to enact change, as a resident, as a mother, and as a community member. I want to bring forth awareness, access and change to the residents of Houston. I want fair and equal access to our area businesses, small business owners and entrepreneurs ...
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Review and assess current infrastructure, provide clear and frequent communication to residents using all communication resources.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Access to affordable housing inventory and excessive rents, along with safe streets and neighborhoods. Partnering with our law enforcement officers and ensuring that residents are not only aware of the issues that plague our neighborhoods but also know how to take preventative measures is crucial.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Partnering with our law enforcement officers and ensuring that residents are not only aware of the issues that plague our neighborhoods but also know how to take preventative measures is crucial. From auto thefts to home break-ins, robbery and beyond, we all must do our part ...
What are your core priorities if elected?
Stronger neighborhoods; affordable housing & tents; ensuring strong public safety; frequent infrastructure assessment & enhancements; transparency in leadership
Adrian Thomas Rogers
Experience:
Advocate, public safety, legal, outreach
Occupation:
Attorney/police officer
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I am running for City Council at-large Position 4 because I believe Houston deserves a strong and dedicated voice to tackle the challenges we face. Having lived and worked in this city my entire adult life—as a security guard, a juvenile residential treatment center staffer, a junior high and high ...
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
One of my top priorities is preparing Houston for extreme weather and flooding. I will prioritize equipping first responders with the right tools and vehicles to reach people swiftly in an emergency and ensure that city facilities remain open as safe shelters when residents are displaced.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Public safety is a top concern. To combat rising crime, I’ll advocate for smarter use of technology, such as expanded video surveillance, and enhance community partnerships so that law enforcement can respond more effectively. Supporting our vulnerable populations, including juveniles, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness, is also essential.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and community support needed to keep our neighborhoods safe. I’ll advocate for compassionate yet practical solutions to help those experiencing homelessness transition into stable housing. And I’ll push for investments in our roads, drainage systems, and public facilities to ensure Houston ...
What are your core priorities if elected?
My core priorities are reducing crime, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and strengthening our infrastructure. Houstonians working together can build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Houston. I’m asking for your support to turn this vision into reality. Thank you!
Cris Wright
Experience:
Former local government reporter, business advisor, entrepreneur and public speaker
Occupation:
Business advisor & strategist
Candidate Website:
https://www.catchcris.com/joincris
Contact Information:
281-804-5335
Why are you running for City Council at-large Position 4?
I’m running because the foundation of government is the people, and Houston deserves a city hall where they are the focus. My background as a local government reporter, business advisor and public speaker has prepared me to simplify processes, amplify community voices, and create systems where our residents are the true decision-makers.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Houston must be resilient, not reactive. I’ll push for infrastructure that centers people—safer streets, stronger drainage, and faster service for long-neglected blocks. Just as important, I’ll ensure residents are part of the planning process, so solutions reflect community realities, not just top-down policies.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians, and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
I’ll modernize city processes, software, and training so residents can easily navigate government and influence decisions because the people, not bureaucracy, should be the city’s decision-makers. I’ll also elevate microbusinesses as a workforce development strategy—bringing mobile advising into neighborhoods and offering programs for steady-income ventures, not just high-growth or B2G.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Public safety means more than policing. It includes safe housing, lit streets, and sidewalks where seniors and kids can walk without worry. I’ll prioritize investments in neighborhood infrastructure and expand community-based resources so residents feel protected and supported where they live. A safer city starts with stronger communities.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My priorities are clear: a community-centric city hall where residents lead decisions, support for true small businesses as the backbone of our economy, preservation of Houston’s cultural roots, and affordable housing with dignity. I believe local government should give the people ownership — when residents thrive, Houston thrives.
Al Lloyd
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for City Council At-Large Position 4?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
J. Brad Batteau
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for City Council At-Large Position 4?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Kathy L. Tatum
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for City Council At-Large Position 4?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure Houston is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houstonians and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you help maintain public safety in the city?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected? <br>
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
