"Republican Voters Hold Key to Houston's Democratic Mayor's Race"

The mayoral runoff election in Houston, a nonpartisan race between two longtime Democrats, Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire, has seen low enthusiasm and turnout from voters. While crime is on the decline and the economy is doing well, Houstonians have complaints about issues such as housing costs and infrastructure. Jackson Lee, a fixture in Democratic politics, faces opposition due to her partisan fights and tough reputation, while Whitmire has been leading in polls and actively courting Republican support. The race has not seen a clear divide on issues, with both candidates emphasizing effective management, public safety, and attracting new businesses to Houston.