Dr. Kendall Baker, Bill King, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Tony Buzbee, Demetria Smith, and Anton Dowls are the "TOP SIX 2019 MAYORAL CONTENDERS" running for the City of Houston Mayor at this time. Naoufal Houjami and Derrick Broze are also running for Mayor of Houston on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 21, 2019, and end on Friday, November 1, 2019.
By R.K. Brown
Houston Business Connections©
The four-year term for Houston’s current Mayor will soon end, and several candidates are entering the race vying to unseat the incumbent, Mayor Sylvester Turner. Our current Mayor has garnered his share of opposition, and the number of candidates entering the race is growing. With the deadline to enter the race to be Houston’s next mayor at the end of summer, 2019 political hopefuls may enter the race until the deadline. Although the race is nonpartisan, candidates’ political affiliations require little guessing. With a law that changed limiting the Mayoral seat to two, four-year terms, Mayor Turner is limited to one more victory to stay in office. That may be an uphill battle for this incumbent. Mayor Turner has a strong base of supporters who are backing him to secure that second and final victory. However, the Mayor’s tenure has been wrought with a recent and very public fight over the controversial Proposition B implementation. Houston voters cast ballots overwhelmingly in favor of Proposition B despite Mayor Turner’s strong campaign against it. Proposition B calls for a 25% firefighter pay increase. An increase that the Mayor says cannot take place without mass firefighter layoffs or implementation over five years. Between lawsuits and mediation, if you ask any current or retired City of Houston firefighter about the current Mayor, there seems to be a consensus, they are not supporting this Mayor for reelection. If that disfavor permeates family and friends of those affected by Proposition B Mayor Turner could be in trouble.
Nonetheless, Mayor Turner still has a solid base of supporters. The Acres Homes native and Harvard law grad appeals to voters who have loved the name Sylvester Turner since he was a young state representative and Mayoral hopeful in 1991. He goes over well with progressives and has worked at City Hall to bridge the community with the city’s welfare.
Bill King is in the race to be Houston’s next mayor, but he is no new opponent to the incumbent in the race. In 2015, King was Mayor Turner’s leading opponent. Some thought that King would take the race, but Mayor Turner handed King a marginal defeat. His borderline victory coupled with the current state of City Hall leads some to believe that it is possible to overthrow the incumbent in the upcoming Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Mayoral Election. However, the stakes are a little bit different with new faces entering the race and splitting the vote. Bill King, if elected as mayor vows to “Clean Up City Hall.” Signs displaying King’s watchword can be found on the city’s lower end where he may have less name recognition. King may garner crossover appeal as a former panelist on Fox’s show What’s Your Point and a former Houston Chronicle columnist for over a decade. An attorney and author, Bill King, is well versed in public policy and is well equipped to lead the country’s fourth largest city. We will see if King can unseat the incumbent, making this a comeback story for Houston history.
Tony Buzbee may be new to the ballot, but the affluent personal injury attorney loaned nearly 6 million dollars to his campaign to get out the word that he is coming for the Mayor’s seat. Buzbee’s campaign strategies include hosting rallies and exposing ‘corruption’ at City Hall. The plaintiff’s lawyer is not holding back with accusations of corruption, kickbacks and double dipping. He is drawing the attention of voters with his outspoken, charismatic call to the carpet of the incumbent in this race. One might say he is buzzing. Buzbee is well-known for making a buzz. He once drew media attention for buying a military tank (yes, a whole tank) and parking it in front of his River Oaks home, as well as hosting our current president for a fundraiser and donating $500,000 to his campaign. Known for monumental wins in civil court and ostentatious behavior outside the court, Buzbee can be noted as saying he will not take corporate donations, and, if elected, he will donate his salary to charity. We will soon see if this new politician can appeal to voters.
There were 979,401 voters deemed eligible to vote in the 2015 Mayoral election, but a mere 268,872 voters showed up to cast their ballot. One may speculate that the political climate caused a historically high voter turnout back in the November 2018 midterm elections (thereby turning the county blue) and we may see a similar increase in voter turnout for the 2019 Mayor’s race. With so many candidates in the race for city council and Mayor, surely we will see a rise in voter turnout. Official filing to enter a race for a seat at Houston’s City Hall will open on Saturday, July 20, 2019, and close Monday, August 19, 2019. Therefore the final lineup before the voters go to the polls is still in the making. However, Kendall L. Baker, Demetria Smith, Derek Broze, and Anton Dowls have all appointed their campaign treasurer according to information on file with the City Secretary’s Office.
Since winning the November 2018 election in a Democratic sweep and taking office January 1st, the newly elected Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman made it so that Harris County voters may now vote at any polling location on Election Day. So, voters who are adamant that they do not cast ballots early are no longer required to make it to the location near their home but can vote at any countywide Voting Center.
According to the folks at the Houston City Secretary’s Office candidates looking to run for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, can pay a filing fee, or they can collect signatures to have their name placed on the ballot. So, if you are a candidate wanting to run for MAYOR OF HOUSTON you can pay a 1,250.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. If you are a candidate who would like to run for THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER position you can pay a 750.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. And if you are a candidate looking to run for one of the HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL positions you can pay a 500.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. However, if you plan on going the route of collecting signatures to have your name placed on the ballot, the exact number of signatures needed won’t be determined until sometime in July of this year from what I understand. But, to be sure, all candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.
(BALLOT BY MAIL)
The first day to apply for a ballot by mail for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election has already passed -- it was on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. So if you are going to vote by mail, you can go ahead and request your mail-in ballot today!
(DESIGNATE YOUR TREASURER)
If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or one of the Houston City Council Positions you need to designate your treasurer before you start spending money on your campaign.
(FIRST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the first day that you can "OFFICIALLY" file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that you can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE)
Monday, October 7, 2019, is the last day that you can register to vote to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINS)
Monday, October 21, 2019, is the first day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENDS)
Friday, November 1, 2019, is the last day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(ELECTION DAY VOTING)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, is "ELECTION DAY" for the City of Houston General Mayoral Election, the HISD Board of Trustees Election, and HCCS Board of Trustees Election. So mark your calendar, and do your very best to make an informed voting decision.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
The City of Houston Mayor at this time is Sylvester Turner. In case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Kendall Baker, Demetria Smith, Derrick Broze, Anton Dowls, Naoufal Houjami.
The City of Houston Controller at this time is Chris Brown In case you don't know, Controller Chris Brown is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amparo Gasca and Controller Chris Brown.
The Houston City Council District A seat is currently being held by Council Member Brenda Stardig. In case you don't know, Council Member Brenda Stardig is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amy Peck, Ieshia Wilson, and Mehdi Cherkaoui.
The Houston City Council District B seat is currently being held by Council Member Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, Council Member Jerry Davis is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Tarsha Jackson, Renee Jefferson Smith, Alvin Byrd, Robin J. Anderson, Ben Earl White Jr, James Joseph, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Patria Bourgeois, Alyson Quintana, and Huey Wilson.
The Houston City Council District C seat is currently being held by Council Member Ellen Cohen. In case you don't know, Council Member Ellen Cohen is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Nicholas Hellyar, Abbie Kamin, Gregory Meyers, Shelley Kennedy, Robert Nowak Jr, Daphne Scarbrough, Mary Jane Smith, and Kendra Yarbrough Camarena.
The Houston City Council District D seat is currently being held by Council Member Dwight Boykins. In case you don't know, Council Member Dwight Boykins is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Jerome Provost, Councilman Dwight Boykins, and Jeremy Darby.
The Houston City Council District E seat is currently being held by Council Member Dave Martin. In case you don't know, Council Member Dave Martin is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Dave Martin, and Sam Cleveland.
The Houston City Council District F seat is currently being held by Council Member Steve Le. In case you don't know, Council Member Steve Le is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Anthony Nelson, Councilman Steve Le, Jesus Zamora, Richard Nguyen, and Tiffany Thomas.
The Houston City Council District G seat is currently being held by Council Member Greg Travis. In case you don't know, Council Member Greg Travis is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Greg Travis.
The Houston City Council District H seat is currently being held by Council Member Karla Cisneros. In case you don't know, Council Member Karla Cisneros is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Karla Cisneros and Cynthia A. Reyes-Revilla.
The Houston City Council District I seat is currently being held by Council Member Robert Gallegos. In case you don't know, Council Member Robert Gallegos is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Robert Gallegos.
The Houston City Council District J seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Laster. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Laster is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Edward Pollard, Sandra Rodriguez, Nelvin Adriatico, Federico Cuellar, and Margaret Mitchell.
The Houston City Council District K seat is currently being held by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum. In case you don't know, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Knox. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Knox is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Mike Knox, Georgia Provost, Michelle Bonton, and Neeraj "Raj" Salhotra.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat is currently being held by Council Member David Robinson. In case you don't know, Council Member David Robinson is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman David Robinson and Emily Munoz Detoto.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat is currently being held by Council Member Michael Kubosh. In case you don't know, Council Member Michael Kubosh is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Michael Kubosh, Marcel McClinton, and Janaeya Carmouche.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat is currently being held by Council Member Amanda Edwards. In case you don't know, Council Member Amanda Edwards is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Amanda Edwards and Ericka McCrutcheon.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 seat is currently being held by Council Member Jack Christie. In case you don't know, Council Member Jack Christie is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Letitia Plummer, Catherine Garcia Flowers, Ashton P. Woods, Jamaal Boone, Marvin McNeese, Sallie Alcorn, Dennis Griffin, Paul Bishop, Gian Nguyen, Ralph Garcia, and Sonia Rivera.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
PUBLISHER/REPORTER
Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 28-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations and political consulting. He’s assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, he’s also assisted in branding and marketing (through his various publications) such corporations and institutions as Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Chevron, Waste Management, Nationwide Insurance, Momentum Jaguar/BMW, Channel 11, Channel 13, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few. But, please note that the thoughts expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of any Houston Business Connections Newspaper© advertisers, supporters, sponsors, or readers. You can click here to view a recent edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© online!
