Primary runoffs slated for May 26
In what seems to many as a never-ending election cycle, South Belt voters will return to the polls soon as several major statewide and local contests head into the May 26 primary runoff.
With early voting scheduled for May 18–22, local voters will help determine party nominees in races ranging from the U.S. Senate to Harris County judge.
Runoffs occur when no candidate in a primary earns more than half the vote, and the winners of these matchups will move on to the November general election.
U.S. Senate
On the Republican side of the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces a challenge from current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The contest has drawn statewide attention as GOP voters decide who will represent the party in the fall.
Democrats, meanwhile, will weigh in on the race for Texas lieutenant governor, where Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez are competing for their party’s nomination.
Texas attorney general
Both parties also have unfinished business in the race for Texas attorney general.
Democratic voters will choose between Joe Jaworski, the former mayor of Galveston, and State Sen. Nathan Johnson.
Republican voters will decide between State Sen. Mayes Middleton and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy.
18th Congressional District
In the 18th Congressional District, which includes portions of Southeast Houston, Democratic voters will select their nominee between longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green and Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. The district has historically been a Democratic stronghold, and the runoff will determine who advances to the general election ballot.
Harris County judge
The race for Harris County judge also continues on both party ballots.
On the Democratic side, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker faces former City Council Member Letitia Plummer.
Republican voters will choose between Orlando Sanchez, a former Harris County treasurer and Houston City Council member; and Warren Howell, a local businessman.
One of the most influential local offices, the county judge serves as Harris County’s chief executive, overseeing emergency management, budgeting and countywide policy decisions.
Current County Judge Lina Hidalgo – who has has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks – is not seeking re-election.
Early voting will begin Monday, May 18, and continue through Friday, May 22. Voters may participate in either the Democratic or Republican runoff, but not both.
For additional information, visit www.HarrisVotes.com.
Whitmire announces proposed budget
At a time when the city is facing a record budget deficit of nearly $200 million, Mayor John Whitmire this past week announced his FY 2027 Proposed Budget.
According to a press release from the mayor, the proposal will build on his administration’s progress and prioritize creating a stronger, more stable financial future for the city of Houston. Whitmire said the proposal protects vital services such as public safety, parks, libraries, neighborhood services and the municipal court system.
Whitmire further noted the budget plan does not include a property tax increase, nor will it expand government programs, defer infrastructure obligations or rely on one-time transfers.
“Houston is at a turning point,” said Whitmire. “Our city continues to grow rapidly, and the cost of delivering essential services, from public safety to infrastructure, has risen alongside it. At the same time, local- and state-imposed property tax caps have significantly limited the City’s ability to keep up with these demands.”
Whitmire said the proposed budget plan looks to the city’s future.
“Under my administration, we have tightened our belt, improved efficiency and reduced year-over-year spending for the first time in decades,” said Whitmire. “But efficiency alone is no longer enough. This year’s budget introduces a modern, sustainable approach to funding core services, protecting the programs that Houstonians rely on without raising property taxes. This budget represents the next step towards ensuring Houston remains strong, reliable and ready for the future.”
Budget plan
The budget plan includes the following:
– Designating the Solid Waste Municipal Department as a Municipal Utility
– Implementing a $5 per month administrative user fee to align with the actual cost of service and to support long term fleet, staff and reliability
Right-of-way rental fee through the Combined Utility System will accomplish the following:
– Implements a fee on water and wastewater utilities for use of public right-of-way, similar to a franchise fee
– The ROW fee benefits help preserve public safety, libraries, parks, municipal courts andmultiservice centers
The changes will move the city closer to a structurally balanced budget that does the following:
– Supports transformational public works and consent decrees
– Reduces pressure for layoffs and service cuts
– Both are standard practice in major cities, align costs with service and support a structural budget balance
“Efficiency alone cannot close the fiscal gap,” said Whitmire. “Everything I’m talking about is just the beginning, and it’s going to get better in future years. This budget plan represents financial security for the city of Houston, and it’s the health of the city’s finances. We are not kicking the can down the road in my administration.”
Priorities
Budget priorities/key investments include the following:
– All services preserved
– No layoffs
– $12M in efficiency savings achieved without service reductions
– Five police and 11 fire cadet classes
– $31M added to the drainage fund from the general fund
The new fiscal year will begin July 1, 2026.
For additional information on the proposed budget, visit houstontx.gov/budgetproposal.
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