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When we say it is getting hot in Houston, we are not talking about the weather. The race to fill Mayor Sylvester Turner’s seat has the city on fire with who’s in, who’s out and more importantly, who can win it.

There is no doubt about it, Mayor Turner is one tough act to follow. He has truly been a “man of the people,” showing he is professional, approachable and hip with his signature line of “reppin’ the 44” for Acres Home, the neighborhood he forever calls home.

Early on, it was clear that longtime Senator John Whitmire was a frontrunner, boasting a “war chest” of campaign funds that has now reached more than $10 million, according to reports. Those funds have been amassed while he was serving in the Texas Legislature and reportedly eligible for use in his latest political run.

Then there was Chris Hollins, who gained nationwide notoriety as the gutsy Harris County clerk fighting against voter suppression in the historic 2020 presidential election. He possessed what many referred to as a “Barack Obama” quality: tall, handsome, young and eloquent in speech and mannerisms.

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Even still, many said they did not “know” him and he wasn’t making his rounds in the Black community the way he needed to. He was kicking it into high gear, impressively bringing in more than $1.5 million from donors and building momentum, when Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced her bid for Houston mayor. Hollins, who says he greatly admires the congresswoman, switched gears and announced he would run for city controller, instead.

Many called it a smart move, proving the younger politician is willing to play chess. As the city controller, he can have more time to connect with Houstonians, gain more political experience and can return at a later round to fight for the dream seat. Remember, Turner ran for mayor several times before finally being elected.

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When it comes to Jackson Lee, the veteran politician who’s been criss-crossing to Washington DC for nearly 30 years representing Texans, says it’s time for her to “come home.”

Robin Williams was also an early entrant, beautiful, Black and passionate about the community she served. The local police officer made her rounds, speaking about crime prevention and her mission to help Houston’s youth stay on the right path. A domestic violence allegation made against her by her boyfriend, which was later recanted, stalled her campaign.

Then there is the mightiest of wild cards: High-profile Houston attorney Tony Buzbee.

Buzbee caused quite a shake up when he ran against Turner in the last race. Buzbee, a reported billionaire, has enough money to out fund and out finance many of the other candidates.

While sharing an article on Facebook on whether or not he would run, Buzbee captioned, “Would I spend fifty million dollars to be mayor of Houston? Ehhh…To do so we would have to have a coalition of activists from all points of view and business people from all walks of life across this city. We would have to resolve that we would be the example that all cities would follow. We would have to have the thought leaders of the entire world involved. I would be proud to lead, but I would need a lot of help. Houston could do this. We are poised to do so. Or, we could do the same old, sad old typical. We could make this city the best in the world. I haven’t decided. It’s a bunch easier for me to just spend time at the farm with Frances (his wife).  Lots of animals to rescue!”

While his message says he is undecided, it was definitely not a “No.”

Who are the others in the crowded field of contenders? Here are snippets of their backgrounds, pulled from their online campaigns:

Amanda Edwards is a native Houstonian and a former At-Large City Council Member. She is an accomplished attorney with extensive municipal finance experience, a grassroots public servant, and an effective community advocate. Amanda is also the founder of a community non-profit that empowers various groups ranging from seniors to women. ​

Lee Kaplan is a partner of a litigation firm. He grew up in Bellaire and Meyerland and says watching the struggles of his parents shaped his tough work ethic.

“I will strive to be a Mayor who does things right, a Mayor you can be proud of, a Mayor who focuses on the essential services that impact all of us every single day,” Kaplan said.

Gilbert Andrew Garcia is a former METRO chairman and current managing partner of Garcia Hamilton & Associates, a wealth management firm specializing in bonds. The Corpus Christi native went to Yale University and then staked out a career in finance. His firm has grown from managing about $350 million in assets to more than $20 billion.

Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian and lifelong resident of District I. He was elected in 2013 and represents the council district that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport.

Election Day is Nov. 7.

***Bayou Beat News is offering each candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves to our readers in upcoming editions. Those interested can contact info@bayoubeatnews.com.***