Houston Mayor's Runoff: Whitmire vs. Jackson Lee

State Senator John Whitmire and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee are heading to a runoff election for the mayor of Houston, as neither candidate received the required 50% of the votes. Whitmire is currently leading by about 8%. The runoff election is scheduled for December 9. Whitmire and Jackson Lee stood out in a crowded field due to their name recognition and years of public service. Whitmire, a moderate Democrat, has a significant campaign war chest, while Jackson Lee is considered more progressive. The race was one of the most crowded and expensive in recent memory, with 18 candidates.