John Whitmire emerges victorious in Houston mayoral race

Texas state Sen. John Whitmire has won the Houston mayoral race, defeating fellow Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in a runoff election. Whitmire, who ran ahead of Jackson Lee in the initial election, outspent her on advertising and focused on his commitment to reducing crime. Jackson Lee faced controversy during her campaign after berating a staff member, while Whitmire gained endorsements and emphasized his record on crime. Whitmire's victory triggers a special election to replace him in the Texas state Senate.