Progressive trial attorney Alejandra Salinas defeated former city council member Dwight Boykins in Saturday’s runoff election for a vacant at-large seat on the Houston City Council. Salinas earned 59.3% of the Harris County vote, according to results from the county clerk’s office.
Voter Turnout and Results
More than 17,200 voters cast ballots on Election Day in Harris County, following 26,155 early votes. Smaller numbers of voters also participated in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.
Campaign Message and Priorities
After the win, Salinas thanked voters and emphasized unity. “I’m so grateful to all the Houstonians that voted for me and know that I’m going to work each and every day to fight for all Houstonians, regardless of whether or not they voted for me,” she said in a Saturday night interview.
She said her focus upon taking office in January will be “the exact things that I campaigned on — affordable and reliable city services, safer neighborhoods and fighting for a stronger infrastructure.”
Path to the Runoff
The runoff followed a crowded November election in which Salinas led a 15-candidate field with 21% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Boykins’ 20%. Salinas also led significantly in fundraising, reporting more than $700,000 raised this year, compared with Boykins’ roughly $140,000.
Political Context
Local analysts said Salinas benefited from progressive voter frustration with President Donald Trump’s administration and dissatisfaction with the moderate approach of Mayor John Whitmire. While expressing a willingness to work with the mayor, Salinas criticized some of his policies, including Houston police coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
She described her campaign’s core message as one of “hope and inclusivity.”
Boykins’ Campaign and Response
Boykins, a former District D council member, ran as a pragmatic moderate and frequently highlighted his experience and support for Mayor Whitmire. The loss marks another setback in his political career, following an unsuccessful mayoral run in 2019.
Before results were released, Boykins said he was grateful for his supporters, adding, “This city has been great to me and my family … to allow me to take on this challenge, to help the Houstonians get a better situation, better quality-of-life out of Houston.”
He criticized negative campaigning from his opponent, while Salinas responded, “All our campaign did was share the facts.”
What’s Next for City Council
The at-large seat became vacant after council member Letitia Plummer stepped down to run for Harris County judge in 2026. Salinas will assume office in January for a shortened term, as all 16 Houston City Council seats will be up for election again in 2027.
Other Runoff Results
Voters also decided a Houston Community College trustee race, where incumbent Renee Jefferson Patterson defeated Kathleen “Kathy” Lynch Gunter with 56.6% of the vote.
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