HOUSTON – The crowded race for Houston’s City Council At-Large Position 4 is heading to a runoff.
After a packed field of 15 candidates, Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins have emerged as the top two vote-getters, setting up a decisive showdown set for Saturday, Dec. 13.
A crowded field narrows
The Position 4 seat, currently held by Dr. Letitia Plummer, opened after she announced her bid for Harris County Judge. During her tenure, Plummer was outspoken on issues like housing rights, timely garbage collection, and protections for Houston’s homeless and migrant populations.
Among those vying to replace her were Jordan Thomas, Dwight Boykins, and Alejandra Salinas, who quickly became the race’s leading contenders in both fundraising and endorsements.
The candidates
Jordan Thomas, a former chief of staff for both Dr. Plummer and former council member Amanda Edwards, campaigned on expanding affordable housing and improving mass transit.
“We’re becoming a city that’s less affordable and less connected,” Thomas said during his campaign. “We need to stand up for our immigrants and ensure equitable growth.”
Dwight Boykins, a familiar face at City Hall, previously served as District D council member, first elected in 2013 and re-elected unopposed in 2015.
“I want to use the experience I’ve gained serving with two mayors through hurricanes, flooding, and droughts,” Boykins said. “In addition to crime, infrastructure remains one of our top concerns.”
Alejandra Salinas, a trial lawyer and first-time candidate, quickly gained attention as the race’s top fundraiser, bringing in more than $500,000. Her platform focused on improving Houston’s infrastructure and essential city services.
“We’re losing billions of gallons of water underground due to leaky pipes,” Salinas said. “Fixing that infrastructure protects all Houstonians.”
The runoff
With no candidate reaching the 50% threshold needed to win outright, and Salinas gaining a less than 1% gain over Dwight Boykins, the contest will now go to a runoff between the two. Voters will return to the polls on Saturday, December 13th, to decide who will fill the Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat.
As Houston’s citywide issues — from infrastructure and housing to public safety — continue to dominate the conversation, the runoff will determine which vision voters want shaping the city’s future.