Clark wins, Johnson loses… by 74 votes
State Senator Molly Cook narrowly emerged victorious in the Democratic race for the Senate District 15 seat, defeating State Representative Jarvis Johnson. Cook clinched Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s former senate seat with approximately 50.07 percent of the vote, surpassing Johnson by a slim margin of about 74 votes, based on complete but unofficial results.
The seat, representing a portion of Houston, became vacant this year for the first time since 1978, when Whitmire was elected as mayor. Cook will now face the sole Republican candidate, Joseph L. Trahan, in the November general election.
Both Cook and Johnson advanced to a runoff during the Democratic primary in March after eliminating four other contenders. Cook subsequently defeated Johnson, securing 57% of the vote compared to Johnson’s 43% in a special election held in early May to determine who would complete the remainder of Whitmire’s term. She will represent the deeply Democratic Senate District 15 through the end of the year or longer if the results are confirmed. The winner of the runoff is likely to prevail in the general election in November, given the district’s strong Democratic-leaning.
The highly diverse district is composed of 40% Hispanic, 29% white, 22% Black, and 9% Asian residents, according to state data based on the U.S. Census. The low-turnout election saw only 18,782 votes cast.
Simmons wins, Thierry loses
State Representative Shawn Thierry lost her seat to labor organizer Lauren Ashley Simmons in the Democratic runoff for House District 146, a race heavily influenced by support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The HD 146 contest was marked by Thierry’s controversial vote last spring to ban gender-transitioning care for children and her subsequent public comments. Thierry incensed Harris County progressives by referring to these treatments as “castration” and “genocide” against Black children. In contrast, Simmons argued that the focus on this issue detracted from more pressing concerns in the district, such as economic inequality and gun violence. Thierry maintained that her votes represented the will of her constituents.
Many frustrated Democratic House colleagues rallied behind Simmons, opposing Thierry. Initially, Thierry distanced herself from her controversial votes, but she later embraced them as part of her campaign after nearly losing the March primary outright.
Other races
In House District 139, Charlene Ward Johnson defeated Angie Thibodeaux.
Incumbent Justice Jerry Zimmerer lost his Texas 14th Court of Appeals Place 3 post to Velda Renita Faulkner, an attorney who manages her own local practice.
Vivian King, the first assistant and chief of staff for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, defeated criminal justice advocate Gemayel “G” Haynes in the race for the 486th Judicial District judge.
Annette Ramirez beat Desiree Broadnax for the Democratic nomination to replace Harris County Tax Assessor Ann Harris Bennett, who is not seeking reelection. The winner will face Republican former Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack in November.
