John Whitmire, a Democratic state senator, has been elected as the next mayor of Houston, defeating U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee in a runoff election. Whitmire, who has represented the city for 50 years, campaigned on reducing crime, improving infrastructure, and fostering unity. He outspent Jackson Lee, who was aiming to become Houston's first Black female mayor. The congresswoman's campaign was also affected by the release of an unverified audio recording in which she allegedly berated staff. Both candidates emphasized their extensive political experience and the challenges facing the city, including crime, infrastructure, and budget issues. Whitmire, at 74 years old, will be the oldest mayor of a major U.S. city. Houston, known as the energy capital of the world, is working towards cleaner energy and faces issues such as affordable housing and income inequality.
Meanwhile, in Oakland, California, Mayor Sheng Thao is facing controversy after an FBI raid on her home. Thao, who is of Hmong descent and took office in 2023, has stated that she did nothing wrong and has no plans to resign from office. The raid came shortly after backers of a mayoral recall were informed that they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. Thao's critics claim that public safety and economic vitality have worsened under her leadership and that she should not have fired Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong. Cynthia Adams, president of the Oakland chapter of the NAACP, expressed concern about the lack of support for the mayor from other city officials. The FBI also searched two homes owned by the Duong family, who owns the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions, which has been investigated for campaign contributions to Thao and other city officials.
U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, has died at the age of 74. Her office issued a statement acknowledging her death, but did not disclose the cause. However, it was reported that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic and breast cancer. Jackson Lee served her district for over 30 years and was known for fighting for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights. President Joe Biden praised her as an unrelenting leader in achieving racial justice and building the economy. Rep. Nancy Pelosi mourned her as a champion of constitutional and human rights. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, described her as a friend who stood up for her beliefs, despite their political disagreements.
Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas will lie in state at Houston's city hall. President Joe Biden will pay his respects. Jackson Lee died on July 19 after battling pancreatic cancer. Her body will lie in state for 10 hours on Monday. She will be remembered at viewings and services on Tuesday and Wednesday before her funeral on Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the funeral service in Houston. Jackson Lee was a fierce advocate for women and minorities and a leader for House Democrats on social justice issues. She led the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade. Jackson Lee served on Houston's city council from 1990 to 1994. She is the second person to lie in state at Houston's city hall rotunda, the first being Dr. Michael DeBakey in 2008.
[34260e96][925f1f29][8961a73a][7f4d2bc2][1ab8c8cf]