As the November 7th mayoral election approaches, seven candidates gathered on stage at Forest Brook Middle School in northeast Houston to make their case to lead the fourth-largest city in the United States. Each contender presented their vision for Houston's future, addressing critical issues such as federal funding, COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, public safety, and more.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has served 28 years in Congress and previously as an at-large Houston City Council Member, emphasized her track record of securing federal funding to support the city. During her tenure, she claimed to have brought millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and other resources to Houston. Jackson Lee expressed her deep love for the city and its people, vowing to continue advocating for federal funds as mayor.

A Yale and University of Virginia graduate, Jackson Lee positioned herself as a wife, mother, and grandmother who would elevate Houston to greater heights. She criticized her leading opponent, State Senator John Whitmire, for what she saw as his failure to bring necessary state resources to the city, particularly during times of crisis.

MJ Khan, a three-term city council member and accomplished businessman with engineering and MBA degrees from Rice University, highlighted his journey from humble beginnings to public service. He celebrated his wife's achievement as the first female cardiologist at Baylor College of Medicine and his own distinction as the first South Asian City Council Member in Houston's history. Khan pledged to leverage his executive experience to attract global business investments and young families to Houston.

Khan emphasized that his mayoral campaign relied on numerous small contributions from the community, in contrast to Whitmire's substantial financial backing from his lengthy tenure in state government.

Gilbert Garcia, a former Metro Chairman and businessman who relocated to Houston from South Texas after earning a degree from Yale, questioned Whitmire's sudden interest in the city after spending five decades in the legislature.

In response, Whitmire defended his legislative record, citing his efforts to establish an entertainment district downtown and his lifelong commitment to helping people. He recounted how, at the age of 22, he was focused on his political career while others were enjoying college life.

Robert Gallegos, who has served on the city council for ten years representing the east side where he grew up, emphasized his deep ties to the community. He described his public service experience, including his role as Super Neighborhood Council President, as a strong foundation for mayoral leadership.

Lee Kaplan highlighted his campaign's financial support from grassroots donors and positioned himself as a "boy scout" who would uphold the moral integrity expected of a Houston Mayor. He contrasted this with his opponents, suggesting that previous leadership had made questionable decisions.

Jack Christie, with a history of 15 elections, including Spring Branch School Board and City Council at-large positions, emphasized his ability to unite people. He described his background as an Eagle Scout and Army Medic, emphasizing his potential to make Houston proud through effective leadership.

In the final stretch of the race for Houston Mayor, these candidates are vying for the opportunity to lead the city into a promising future, each offering their unique perspectives and qualifications to address Houston's pressing challenges.