The City of Houston has, arguably, the most powerful mayor position in the nation. Charter changes dating from World War Two give our city's chief executive a vast range of powers. These include preparing the municipal budget, hiring, and firing department heads, setting the city council agenda (and voting on council issues), and appointing municipal judges. In contrast to other big cities in Texas where mayoral powers are greatly constrained, Houston's mayor dominates the local political process. Incumbent mayors are rarely defeated, so when an open seat comes up as is the case this year (Mayor Turner is term-limited) a large field of contenders is assured. That is the case this year as we head toward Election Day, November 7, 2023.

This class will largely focus on the mayoral contest as it heads into the final weeks in October. We will review the history of city elections in Houston, analyze the unfolding campaigns, and - after the polls have closed - dissect how the vote went. Since we have several major candidates running and the rules require a majority to win, our class will extend into December to cover the required runoff and its outcome.

The Houston mayor contest is non-partisan, but it will unfold in a polarized nation. Republicans and Democrats in Texas and across the country are gearing up for a decisive battle for control of the White House, Congress, and the direction of the federal courts in 2024. That being the case, we will, from time to time, look at what is happening in the larger political arena at a critical moment in our nation's history.

Ten-Week Course Schedule | Wednesdays
Oct 04 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oct 11 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oct 18 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oct 25 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 01 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 08 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 15 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 22 - No Class
Nov 29 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dec 06 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dec 13 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class will be held in-person at WIH and simulcast via Zoom