UH alum John Whitmire’s new mayoral role spurs first fight for Texas Senate seat in decades

As the University of Houston’s men’s basketball team advances to the Final Four, a notable alumnus, John Whitmire, who graduated from both UH and its Law School, made a significant political move by running for city hall, thereby opening up a Texas Senate seat that has remained uncontested for decades.

Whitmire’s political journey began as a student when he was first elected to the state legislature. Over a decade later, he secured a seat in the Texas Senate, a position he held until his successful mayoral campaign. With Whitmire now serving as the mayor of Houston, a race has ensued to fill his vacant seat in Austin.

The last time voters had the opportunity to elect a new state senator in District 15 coincided with the heyday of the Houston Cougars Men’s basketball team, affectionately known as Phi Slama Jama, during their No. 1 ranking and deep March Madness run. Whitmire’s extended tenure underscores the significance of this election.

The runoff election on May 28 features a contest between a nurse, Molly Cook, and sitting state representative Jarvis Johnson. Cook emphasizes the need for healthcare representation in Harris County’s Democratic delegation, highlighting her background as a healthcare professional. Meanwhile, Johnson stresses the importance of experience and relationships, citing the legacy left by Whitmire.

With the district encompassing a diverse swath of Houston’s population, spanning from the east to the west in a horseshoe shape, the winning candidate will represent around 940,000 Texans in the upcoming legislative session.

Both Cook and Johnson acknowledge the challenges awaiting them in Austin, particularly given the Republican dominance in both chambers of the state legislature. Additionally, a Republican contender, Joseph Trahan, awaits the outcome of the Democratic runoff for the general election in November.