Here is what State Rep. Jarvis Johnson put out this morning: Lets be clear: state takeovers have never worked anywhere much less for a district as large and diverse as Houston. During that election cycle, Whitmire raised a total of $1,072,000. } $('.showResponses').show();
} Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today. Strong leadership and commitment to public service defines John Whitmire. } Pol. .votebox_bp_logo { In 2020, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development audit flagged Houstons slow pace in administering Hurricane Harvey recovery funds, prompting the. But after he thought about all the issues that needed repairing in the city, he said he knew he would be the right person for the job. John Whitmire for Mayor. In other controversies, Turner opposed a voter-approved pay parity measure for the citys firefighters, and the citys lawsuit to prevent implementation of the measure remains pending before the states Supreme Court. State Sen. John Whitmire opted out of collecting a $140,000 annual pension courtesy of a new amendment that was added into the state employee retirement system in the last regular legislative session. Those who donate at least seven items will receive tickets to the Rockets' Oct. 24 home game against Utah. Then, donate to directly to his campaign. [15], (Third party index of birth records for Hill County), "Birth Certificate for John Harris Whitmire", "For Dean of Senate, Public and Private Blur", "WHITMIRE, REBECCA DALBY vs. WHITMIRE, JOHN HARRIS", "Overview: Texas House Districts 18461982", "The Texas State Senate Senator John Whitmire: District 15", "Texas Death Row Kitchen Cooks Its Last 'Last Meal', "John Oliver welcomes summer by reminding you that prisons are cooking people to death", "John Whitmire was on a roll coming into the 1995 Legislature. list-style-type: circle; color:white; Meet John; Conoce a John; Contact Us; GET IN TOUCH. The host committee is filled with prominent lobbyists, business groups, labor unions, former elected officials and a mix of donors to both political parties. George Vachris advanced from the Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 15 on March 1, 2022. } He was elected to the Texas Senate in 1982 after serving 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives. letter-spacing: 0.03em; Previously he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 through 1982. Well, Id have to think about that. height: 300, font-style: italic; On Nov. 7, 2006, Whitmire won re-election to the 15th District Seat in the Texas State Senate, defeating opponent Angel DeLaRosa (R). Ballotpedia features 395,557 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. His bill-passing expertise and warm ties to the GOP. He ultimately returned to the legislature, creating a quorum and undoing the efforts of the rest of the Texas Eleven. border-top: 1px solid #aaa; Whitmire was not up for election to the Texas State Senate in 2008. JOHN LISTON: WEEKLEY, RICHARD WELDON (DICK) UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON: paid for by the John Whitmire Campaign. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. "We're running for mayor and we intend to win," he said at a Houston fundraiser captured by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz. line-height: 1.5em; He has spent his adult life working for Houstonians in our state's Capitol and now John is running for Houston Mayor. background-color: green; .widget-row.Republican { .clearfix { "As a former Houston city councilmember, I know city government's job is to provide core basic services . [14] In 1995, Whitmer came under investigation by the Harris County district attorney's office for taking a job with a state agency whose funding he oversaw via the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. 5:32 PM Dec 5, 2022 CST, On Nov. 29, Sen. John Whitmire announced his official run to become Houston's next mayor. The legislation allowed the judge to release the prisoners on bond pending the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals. John Whitmire is Candidate for State Senate, 15th District, 2022 Primary Election in Texas (TX). .results_row.winner {
Federal courts | His views on criminal justice, and his support from GOP-aligned donors, have attracted some early backlash from Democrats, including Hollins, who noted last month on Twitter that Whitmire had not endorsed Hidalgo in the county judges race. Whitmire, the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate, already has $9.5 million in his state campaign account, according to his most recent filing. Campaign. padding: 2px; a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } He also contributed $2,800 to Joe Bidens campaign in 2020. } } margin-right: 10px; Whitmire, a Democrat, has represented Houston in the Legislature since 1973, first as a state representative and then in the Senate beginning in 1983. color: #888; background-color: green; } margin-bottom: 1px; background-color: #db0000; Later, both Houston and Harris County were temporarily excluded from receiving relief funds. Austin, TX, November 30, 2022 Longtime state Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) formally launched his campaign for Houston mayor Tuesday evening with promises to address myriad problems faced by the state's most populous city, unveiling his campaign slogan: "Fix Houston.". $('.hideResponses').on('click', () => { margin-bottom: 0px; .leg-hnt-leadership { .votebox-results-metadata-p { Whitmire, the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate, will first run for reelection to the chamber in 2022 before his mayoral run the following year. The more pressing matter Whitmire's re-election to. .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} .votebox-scroll-container { Importance: More Important Reference: Analysis of answers from 302 voters that voted for John Whitmire in the 2018 Texas District 15 State Senate election. [11] Heat has killed numerous prisoners and cost Texas taxpayers million of dollars in wrongful death suits brought by victims' families. } The announcement confirmed a move that was rumored for months and made Whitmire the first candidate to publicly announce his intention to succeed Sylvester Turner as the mayor of the state's most populous city.} A special session was called for May 31 through June 29.[9]. } a[aria-expanded=false] .fa-chevron-down { display: none; } Whitmire's first mayoral campaign finance report, filed Tuesday, shows $1.1 million in new donations between his formal campaign launch in November and the end of the year. Mealer donors serving on the host committee for Tuesdays fundraiser include Fertitta, Gallery Furniture owner Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, real estate developer Richard Weekley, Fidelis Realty Partners CEO Alan Hassenflu and Houston beer distributor John Nau, among others. .inner_percentage.Democratic { The results have been certified. .inner_percentage { To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org. display: none; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 0px; Besides supporting law enforcement officers, he said he would also take a holistic approach to improving the criminal justice system including offering more resources to the court system and the crime lab. According to his latest campaign finance report, Whitmire leads the assembly of candidates for the most cash in his campaign bank account. for Tuesdays event included many Republicans such as retiring state Rep. Dan Huberty (R-Humble) and real estate developer Dick Weekley. of the recovery and rebuild efforts to the Texas General Land Office. .cf_bp_logo {width: 35px !important;}. $626,696 Total Contributions. "I will be tough but smart on crime, keep our economy growing and ensure city services are working for all Houstonians. | Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. With 774 of 782 precincts reporting, Democrat incumbent John Whitmire is projected to win the race for Texas Senate District 15. over Republican challenger George Brian Vachris. color: white; .results_text { font-weight: 500; column-gap: 1em; .widget-img { } padding-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.25em; A number of Democrats, including former state representative and city councilmember Ellen Cohen and former Harris County Democratic Party chair Lane Lewis, also are on the host committee. Counties | Nov. 18, 20214 PM Central. Vote: John Whitmire voted Nay (Passage) - SB 260 - Amends Regulations Related to Immigration and Refugee Affairs 06/15/2011. The Fund allowed the contract to expire following public scrutiny. Audience members Tuesday included District Attorney Kim Ogg, City Council Member Edward Pollard, and former mayoral candidate and Forward Party State Co-Chair Bill King. State Sen. John Whitmire formally launched his campaign for Houston mayor Tuesday evening with a fundraiser at the ritzy Post Oak Hotel, attended by dozens of the citys political luminaries including the hotels billionaire owner, Tilman Fertitta, and several other Republican mega-donors who are opening their checkbooks for Whitmire, a moderate Democrat. During that election cycle, Whitmire raised a total of $613,615.
background-color: black !important; (function() { State Sen. John Whitmire, the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate, announced Wednesday night he will run for Houston mayor in 2023. width: 500, . .race_header { .votebox-scroll-container { background-color: #dac113; background-color: #ccf; } Nancy Sims, a longtime political consultant who now teaches political science at the University of Houston, said she had "never seen such hardcore fundraising this high and this early" in a Houston mayor's race. Disclosure: Unlike almost every other media outlet, The Texan is not beholden to any special interests, does not apply for any type of state or federal funding, and relies exclusively on its readers for financial support. The John Whitmire for Mayor Campaign put this out this morning: John Whitmire announced today that former Houston City Councilmember James Rodriguez has endorsed him in his campaign for mayor of the City of Houston. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law. } Prior to CI, Leah graduated with a bachelor's in communications and digital media from the University of Tampa in May 2020, earned a master's in journalism from New York University in December 2021 and freelanced. Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. margin-left: 20px; font-weight: 500; The senator contacted the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and asked the agency to end the practice of last meal requests or he would get the State Legislature to pass a bill doing so. document.getElementById('leg-hnt-toggle64038e9c5b59e').addEventListener('click', event => { column-width: 175px; }) @media (max-width:600px) { height: 50px; The general election was held on November 4, 2014. .infobox { } See the content from The Texans 88th Session Kickoff! position: relative; He noted some courtrooms were still closed despite nearly 2,000 murder suspects awaiting trial and more than 900 suspects out on bond for murder or capital murder. After she married, her husband's brother, John Whitmire, already a rising star in the Texas Democratic Party, was a willing political mentor. Standing next to a display that referred to the region as the "Murder Capital of Texas," state Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) and Harris County Deputies Organization (HCDO) President David Cuevas called for county leaders to address crime and provide more resources for law enforcement. border-bottom: 1px solid grey; And I've gotten a call from Houstonians to leave the legislature and come back and be elected mayor of the City of Houston," Whitmire said at the beginning of his campaign announcement. Previously he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 through 1982. background-color: white; background-color: #db0000 !important; font-weight: bold; As we head into the weekend, folks are wondering what a TEA takeover of HISD looks like. He also voted to amend the Texas Constitution to expand the charges under which judges could deny bail outright, extending the list to include certain violent and sexual crimes. The police chief had made a gentleman's agreement with John Whitmire, dean of the Texas Senate, not to run against him, should the Houston lawmaker seek the mayor's office, as has been speculated. The event comes roughly a year after Whitmire told supporters at a campaign rally that he planned to run for mayor. font-weight: bold; The results have been certified. Other notable host committee members include the Harris County Deputies Organization, Houston Professional Firefighters Association, and Houston Police Officers Union, as well as long-time Turner supporter and fundraiser Cindy Clifford. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. linkColor: "#0b0080", .cfheader.republican { In addition to a fundraising advantage, Whitmire although a staunch Democrat appears to be drawing support from both sides of the political aisle. } By Leah Foreman } .cfheader.green { As for his run for mayor, Whitmire says he won't start campaigning in earnest for mayor until July of 2023, a month after the regular session ends in June. display: block; } In the hotel's reception room, Whitmire's first words to . When you had a strong mayor form of government and when you are the mayor in this city, you run this city. Since 1983, he has represented District 15, which includes much of northern Houston, Texas. color: #888; "As Houston's first African-American police chief and mayor, I am proud to endorse Senator John Whitmire to be Houston's next mayor," said Former Mayor Brown. Known as a can do public servant, John often says, "Houston is not New York or Chicago we areHouston. .widget-key { In 2020, the Texas State Legislature was not in session. } [14] The district attorney eventually cleared him of wrongdoing. With almost a year to go until next years Nov. 7 election, Whitmire outlined his platform and kickstarted his campaign at Tuesdays fundraiser. } p.survey-response {white-space: pre-line;} Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Cities | .leg-hnt-toggle-text { Bills are monitored by BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. From improving public safety by being tough but smart on crime to promoting economic development, especially small businesses, to making City Hall more efficient to benefit everyone, John Whitmire wants to use his years of experiencetomake Houston abetterplace to work and live. .results_row { } .expand-all:hover, .collapse-all:hover {cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;} Previously he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 through 1982. Earlier this year, William Paul-Thomas, a senior aide to Turner, pled guilty to federal public corruption charges and resigned.
A free bi-weekly commentary on current events by Konni Burton. width: 250px; We are not New York or Chicago. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. break-inside: avoid-column; John Whitmire's most recent views and policy on Gun Buyback in 2023. display: inline-block; Office. .contact_office { font-size: 0.8 em; margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} General District Capitol. fontFamily: "Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif", If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org. background-color: #6db24f; John Harris Whitmire (born August 13, 1949) is an American attorney and politician who is the longest-serving current member of the Texas State Senate.Since 1983, he has represented District 15, which includes much of northern Houston, Texas.His tenure earns him the title of Dean of the Senate. [3] His father provided him a $5,000 loan for his campaign funds. } During that election cycle, Whitmire raised a total of $1,137,788. 92 talking about this. color: black; **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Contact our sales team. padding: 2px 0; And the real solution is, dont commit a crime and you stay at home and be cool. At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees: At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Whitmire served on the following committees: At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Whitmire served on the following committees: In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Whitmire served on the following Texas Senate committees: In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Whitmire served on the following Texas Senate committees: The following table lists bills sponsored by this legislator. } } Campaign. State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, told supporters on Wednesday he plans to run for mayor of Houston in 2023. It is no different than running a huge company, said Fertitta. width: 100% color: white; height: 100%; "[11], Leah is a cat mom to a sweet tabby and enjoys retail therapy. } } display: inline-block; font-style: italic; background-color: #003388; .race_footer { box-sizing: border-box; }) Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. State Sen. John Whitmire has set his sights on replacing Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner once Turner's term ends. He did not graduate, as state law at the time allowed legislators entrance to the bar without a full J.D.