At least seventeen candidates are running for Houston mayor in an election set to take place Nov. 7.
The slate includes former—and one current—members of the Houston City Council, attorneys, business owners and other elected officials. The winner of the race will serve at least one four-year term in what experts said is one of the most powerful mayoral seats in the U.S.
Read Q&As with each of the candidates below. Candidates were asked to limit answers to 50 words each, and some responses may have been edited for length.
Gaylon S. Caldwell
Experience:
Currently working as an emergency management professional; former volunteer firefighter/[emergency medical technician]; former 911 telecommunicator
Occupation:
Emergency management specialist
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Our Black children are dying in the streets from gun violence, our Black male youth are being misled and the Black family needs reconciliation. I have solid solutions that will solve the issues that we face in Houston today and create a better city worth living in tomorrow.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Save our Black boys and uplift their image; implement marijuana-friendly policing; eliminate food deserts and concentrated areas of poverty; eliminate loitering fuel stations; gun buy-back programs with youth and families firearm safety, education and awareness programs; secure our parks and keep our children safe; expand Office of Emergency Management
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Resiliency in times of crisis; children are dying in the streets; families destroyed by policies encouraging rampant individualism; investments in fire service amongst the worst; littering and illegal dumping are plaguing environmental safety; Downtown Houston is not living up to the hype; police officers need state-of-the-art training
Jack Christie
Experience:
Three-term Houston City Councilman at-large; former chairman of the State Board of Education; former president of the Spring Branch [ISD] School Board
Occupation:
Chiropractor
Candidate Website:
https://www.christieformayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
For the first time in over 50 years, there is a clear path to victory for a Republican to become the next mayor.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Public safety is No. 1, and I've been calling for hiring 500 new [Houston Police Department] officers for years. Our firefighters deserve a pay raise, and it's long overdue. Infrastructure and quality of life—we have got to get the basics right.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
The cost of living is out of control, and I'm committed to doing everything I can as our next mayor to give people a break in this economy. Your taxes will not go up with me as mayor, and I'll always look for ways to let Houstonians keep more of their hard-earned money.
Robert Gallegos
Experience:
Houston City Council Member District I; Harris County Sheriffu2019s [Office], jailer; Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2, community liaison
Occupation:
Houston City Council Member District I
Candidate Website:
https://www.voterobertgallegos.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I choose to run for mayor because I am the most knowledgeable and experienced candidate on city issues thanks to the 10 years of recent service as a Houston City Council member and will use that knowledge and experience to improve city services and the quality of life for all Houstonians.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Reducing crime; improving infrastructure (including streets and replacing aged water, sewer and drainage lines); Solid Waste Department picking up trash on schedule; and making sure all city departments are providing timely, efficient and courteous service to all Houstonians. Seniors-first policy—capping city water tax rate for seniors at 65 years of age …
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Fear of crime, broken streets and trash bins lingering in the streets because they are not being picked up on schedule, and water lines breaking all across the city, and affordable housing
Annie "Mama" Garcia
Experience:
I am a dual Spanish-American citizen, Rice alumnus, mama to three kiddos and not a politician
Occupation:
Divorce attorney with a side hustle of remodeling pier-and-beams homes in the Third Ward (E3 Restorations) and the executive director of a nonprofit organization, OpHeart, dedicated to improving the odds of survival and outcomes of children like my daughter who are born with life-threatening heart defects
Candidate Website:
https://mamaformayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I am running because no candidate is prioritizing our public education, much less treating it like the crisis that the takeover is. This is not theoretical for thousands of Houston families, including mine. I am running because the frontrunner for mayor, John Whitmire, voted for [House Bill] 1842, which led to the takeover. …
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Expand the Parks & Recreation Department to provide after-school, summer programs and tutorials to Houston students, provide a library to every [New Education System] school through the Houston Public Library system and whatever else we can to get the state out of our schools and return to an elected school board.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
The state takeover of our public schools was done by stealing our last school board election. The school board only answers to the governor, who has vowed to privatize public education. The state takeover is a threat not only to public education, but to democracy itself. …
Gilbert Garcia
Experience:
Member at [Securities Exchange Commission] Fixed Income Market Structure Advisory Committee; awarded at 2018 Fixed Income Emerging Manager of the Year by Emerging Manager Monthly
Occupation:
Managing partner
Candidate Website:
https://www.garciaforhouston.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I love Houston! I am managing partner of Garcia Hamilton & Associates and former chairman of [the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County]. At METRO, we balanced the budget, increased transparency, experienced labor peace, revamped the procurement process and much more. I want to take my skills from my firm and METRO to solve Houston’s problems.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
I have released a Pledge to Houston with all the issues that I would tackle in my first 100 days. You can read at www.garciaforhouston.com . My top three issues are public safety, flooding and cleaning out corruption from City Hall. I want to create a taskforce and audit departments.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
I think the biggest three issues facing Houstonians are crime, flooding and lack of transparency within government. Houston is at a crossroads—Houstonians do not feel safe in their homes or on the street. Flooding is a regional problem. People do not trust government due to [a] culture of corruption.
M. "Griff" Griffin
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
As a private investigator for 30 years and someone who has impacted more Houston citizens than other candidates in the race from defeating zoning in 1993, creating Houston's 311 help number in 2000, creating Houston's Family Sports Section in 2001. I can't let crime and flooding define our great city.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
During my first year I would concentrate on making Houston one of the safest cities in the country, and I will make sure that flooding risks are lowered and investigate why our Houston streets and traffic problems are not being taken care of.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Crime; flooding; economy and jobs; improving our school districts
Naoufal Houjami
Experience:
Over 25 years of experience [as a] businessman, U.S. national security strategist, author, inventor
Occupation:
Businessman, U.S. national security strategist, author, inventor
Candidate Website:
https://www.houjamifortexas.webador.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I'm running as a family with my wife and four kids, all born and raised in Houston, Texas. Tired of bureaucracy, corruption, crimes and less economic and business opportunities for Houstonians. As mayor, it will be no mandate of mask, covid shots, shutdowns of businesses and lockdowns.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Improve transparency, ethical practices and less bureaucracy—permitting—create city manager; fixing the crisis of affordable housing; lower crimes and violence; improve flood recovery and resiliency efforts; employment and economic opportunities for all Houston
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Crisis of affordable housing; flood recovery and resiliency efforts; crimes and violence; transparency, ethical practices and bureaucracy—permitting; lack of employment and economic opportunities; growing unfunded liabilities and structural budget deficit
B. Ivy
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Candidate did not respond.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Candidate did not respond.
Sheila Jackson Lee
Experience:
Practicing attorney; Texas deputy commissioner of agriculture; municipal court judge; at-large council member; U.S Representative
Occupation:
U.S. Representative
Candidate Website:
https://www.sheilaforhouston.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I am running because I love Houston and want to bring my broad experience to help build its future. I will use the experience I gained at City Hall as an at-large council member working under two mayors, chaired many Council committees successfully, served as a deputy agriculture commissioner for the State of Texas and as a municipal judge …
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Crime; permitting reform; affordable housing; infrastructure
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Crime; affordable housing; high-paying jobs; education
Lee Kaplan
Experience:
Small business owner and job creator; attorney; community and civic leader; youth mentor/scoutmaster
Occupation:
Attorney
Candidate Website:
https://kaplanforhoustonmayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
My late father taught me “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” I will tackle the thorny<br>issues that frustrate Houstonians every day: crime, infrastructure and traffic, and picking up the garbage. I won’t get distracted by petty arguments. I will be a mayor who does things right.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
I will focus on the basics: crime, infrastructure and traffic, and making sure the garbage is picked up in every neighborhood. I’ll tackle these problems head-on to move our city forward. I won’t get distracted by petty arguments or rhetorical disputes as we focus on what needs to get done.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Our biggest issues are preventing crime to make our city safer, improving our infrastructure to reduce traffic, preventing future flooding and upgrading the permitting process to increase<br>affordable housing. If we address these issues, our city will be more attractive to potential residents and businesses.
M. J. Khan
Experience:
MBA Rice University; member, Houston City Council District F, 2004-09; president, Islamic Society of Greater Houston 2016-19
Occupation:
Businessman; candidate for mayor of Houston
Candidate Website:
https://www.mjkhan.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I believe in the city of Houston and its potential to attract business and development and to be a top-notch city to live and work. I want to run the city with private sector management philosophy, responsible fiscal policy and the highest ethical standards.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Public safety: add 500 police officers, blight out of neighborhoods; infrastructure: repair roads, drainage, waterlines; efficient government: eliminate waste and influence of special interests, practice meritocracy; balance budget; rein in [the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County] and [Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones]; improve relationship with state government
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
High crime, crumbling infrastructure, flooding, waste of tax dollars, budget deficit. These are all symptoms of mismanagement, bloated and inefficient bureaucracy, influence of special interests, and pay-to-play contractors.
David C. Lowy
Experience:
President, middle school honor society, 1968-69; former candidate for mayor, 1981; current mayoral candidate
Occupation:
Husband, father, candidate for mayor
Candidate Website:
https://www.lowyformayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
As mayor I can help people improve their lives by: calling 311; driving better, saving lives; home in dome, Astrodome homeless-housing; extreme weather education; water conservation; driving electric; going vegan. I want people to have fun. I would join employees and citizens in life-enhancing activities. Goal: happiness, effectiveness, unity.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
To meet with every single area of the city and find out what people need; to drive every single road in Houston and see what needs urgent attention; to make city departments more cost effective, responsive and effective; to show people how they can be happier, more effective and powerful
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Crumbling streets; unsafe driving; dangerous police chases; conversion to (autonomous) electric vehicles to improve environment, safety; wasteful spending, personally and governmentally; infrequent recycling and heavy trash collection; too much focus on negatives primarily through news outlets; uncoordinated approach to road repairs and other improvements; unpredictable severe weather; not enough fun
Julian "Bemer" Martinez
Experience:
I am a successful business owner in the Westchase area for 38 years and have the ability to run a multimillion dollar company with 50 employees.
Occupation:
Business owner (Bemer Motor Cars)
Candidate Website:
https://www.jmartinez2024.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
As a successful businessman I believe in stewarding the resources God has given me to further the greater good. I will commit fully to the responsibilities and duties of the mayor of Houston. I will be transparent, financially and fiscally responsible, and in constant communication with the citizens of Houston.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
As mayor of Houston I plan to address issues like flooding, road repairs, the unhoused community, traffic congestion, and public transportation are some, and a decrease in crime. Additionally, sewage system management, recycling services and proper drainage remain top priorities for Houstonians.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Safety—the citizens of Houston want and need to feel secure in their homes, whether the concern is crime or flooding. As mayor my most important responsibility is to keep Houstonians safe. I will work to build trust and cooperation between community members and law enforcement.
Chanel Mbala
Experience:
Over 15 years of IT expertise, problem-solving skills and innovative solutions
Occupation:
[Information technology] professional and Uber Black driver
Candidate Website:
https://www.chanel4mayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I have chosen to run for mayor to bring positive change and innovative solutions to our city.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
If elected, my top priorities would include addressing public safety, improving infrastructure and promoting affordable housing.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
The biggest issues facing Houston residents currently include crime reduction, transportation improvements and affordable housing options.
Kathy Lee Tatum
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Candidate did not respond.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Candidate did not respond.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Candidate did not respond.
Roy Vasquez
Experience:
10 years learning/education leader; community volunteer; 2019 Houston mayoral candidate
Occupation:
Learning and development director
Candidate Website:
https://www.royvasquezformayor.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I believe that loving one's city comes with an obligation to contribute. I see a responsibility to step up and become part of that change. It's about taking matters into our own hands and ensuring that the city's well-being is in the hands of those who are committed to it.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Reducing homelessness and providing better social assistance to those in need; animal welfare: educating/raising public awareness, increased funding for our shelters, reducing number of healthy animals that are euthanized in our shelters; improved flooding resilience
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
Flooding/severe weather; affordable housing; health care access; deteriorating roads
John Whitmire
Experience:
Texas House of Representatives, 10 years; Texas Senate, 40 years
Occupation:
Texas State Senator/attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.johnwhitmire.com
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I’m a public servant. I care about Houston and Houstonians; we all want a great city in which to live, work, raise our families. As mayor I can make a more direct impact. Together we can improve our neighborhoods with better streets, garbage pickup, flood control, a more affordable Houston.
If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your first year in office?
Public safety, including fire, police and municipal employees; city infrastructure, including streets, water lines, flooding and drainage; city services, including garbage pickup, outrageous water bills, illegal dumping, a barely functioning permitting office; budget, transparency and ethics
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing Houston residents?
We have problems, plural. And you must acknowledge you have a problem before you can fix it. They include: crime; bad streets; broken water lines and outrageous water bills; garbage pickup; illegal dumping; affordable housing; flooding and drainage; the lack of transparency in city government
