Ray "RC" Jones, Sr., Has Endorsed Mayor John Whitmire in his Bid for Re-election on Tuesday, November 2, 2027, in Houston, Texas

The 2027 City of Houston Mayoral Election isn't scheduled until Tuesday, November 2, 2027, but Ray "RC" Charles Jones, Sr., is locked and loaded, with his full support behind current City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who will run for re-election. As it appears today, Mr. Jones and I expect current City Controller Chris Hollins to run against Mayor John Whitmire, and we expect current City of Houston District J Councilmember, who is term-limited, to run for City of Houston Controller.

Ray "RC" Jones, Sr., serves as the president of the Northside Political Action Group. He is also currently serving as the Chief Political Advisor to Houston Business Connections Newspaper and Ground Game Magazine through the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Midterm Election in Texas. 

From the Desk of Ray R.C. Jones / President, Northside Political Action Group

RAY R.C. JONES REPORTS©

Experience, Service and Respect: Why Mayor John Whitmire’s Record Matters

For as long as I can remember, John Whitmire has been a household name among Acres Homes homeowners. In my experience, community leaders and ministers knew and respected him for his leadership and years of service.

After many years of political and community involvement in Houston, I believe we should judge our leaders by their experience, qualifications, judgment, and results. Race should not replace a careful examination of a person’s record.

Many of us knew Whitmire’s work long before he became mayor. His relationship with our community developed through years of public service.

From my years of community involvement, I recall John Whitmire helping Acres Homes residents with the bus service we know as the 44. I remember that assistance as part of his longstanding relationship with our community. To me, public service includes helping families meet everyday needs, including dependable transportation.

Acres Homes has a proud history of homeowners, ministers, and neighborhood leaders working together. That history matters, and so do the relationships public servants have built with the community over the years.

Whitmire began serving in the Texas House of Representatives in January 1973. After 10 years in the House, he entered the Texas Senate in 1983, serving through 2023 and becoming Senate dean. In January 2024, he became Houston’s 63rd mayor. His record now spans more than 53 years in elected public office.

His accomplishments include authoring the Sandra Bland Act, helping reform grand jury selection, and supporting changes that reduced the criminalization of minor school behavior. His official biography also credits him with helping establish Harris County’s first Latino state Senate district and supporting greater access to voting locations in African American and Latino communities. These contributions deserve recognition.

As mayor, Whitmire helped negotiate an agreement addressing Houston firefighters’ longstanding pay dispute. The agreement provided for back pay and a new contract following years of disagreement.

 Bringing a prolonged dispute toward resolution demonstrates the importance of experienced leadership.

The disagreements at the September 30, 2026, City Council meeting should be viewed in that larger context. Questions about former Controller Chris Brown’s work as a mayoral adviser led to heated exchanges. Whitmire defended Brown and paused the meeting as the discussion escalated. Those questions deserve clear answers, but one difficult meeting should not erase decades of service.
I believe in mentoring emerging leaders. However, receiving an opportunity to serve also brings a responsibility to demonstrate sound judgment and readiness for greater leadership. With that in mind, I want to address two elected officials whose records deserve examination.

1. Council Member Edward Pollard

I have known Edward Pollard since before he held elected office, and I supported his early political efforts. I believe emerging leaders deserve the opportunity to contribute.

Pollard’s political record includes an unsuccessful campaign against State Representative Gene Wu in 2016 and his election to represent District J on Houston City Council in 2019. Representing a district provides experience, but leading the entire city involves broader responsibilities.

His “J City” initiative generated disagreement with Mayor Whitmire over district services and city policy. “J City” is branding for District J, rather than a separate municipality. In my judgment, district initiatives should strengthen cooperation across Houston and keep residents connected to the whole city.
Pollard’s campaign finance proposal also deserves examination. KPRC reported that he loaned his campaign $1 million in 2025 and supported removing limits on using campaign contributions to repay personal campaign loans. Pollard said the proposal was intended to align Houston’s rules with a Supreme Court decision. I believe residents should examine the public benefit of changes that could also financially benefit the officials supporting them. This is a question of judgment and public confidence, rather than proof of wrongdoing.

My challenge is straightforward: demonstrate the accomplishments, cooperation, and judgment needed to serve every part of Houston. In my opinion, Mayor Whitmire’s extensive record deserves substantial weight in any comparison.

2. City Controller Chris Hollins

Chris Hollins should be evaluated by the same standards of experience, performance, and accountability.

He initially sought the mayor’s office in the 2023 election, then withdrew and ran for controller after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee entered the mayoral race. I will not claim to know his advisers' private decisions. His public record and performance are what residents should examine.

Hollins faced scrutiny over sponsorship solicitations for a 2024 city investor conference. However, investigators closed the case as “not sustained,” with no finding of misconduct. Fairness requires acknowledging that outcome. Accountability must rest on evidence and apply consistently to every official.

The controller has an important responsibility to examine city finances and ask questions. I also believe those responsibilities should be carried out with professionalism and respect. Residents benefit when disagreements produce clear answers and practical solutions.

Before supporting anyone for greater responsibility, I challenge residents to examine the record. What have they accomplished? How have they handled difficult decisions? Can they work respectfully with others? Have they demonstrated the ability to serve the entire city?

Moving Houston Forward

Supporting Mayor Whitmire does not require agreement with every decision. It means recognizing his contributions while expecting responsible leadership and clear answers.

His decades in the House, Senate, and mayor’s office bring valuable experience to a demanding job. In my judgment, that experience remains an important asset to Houston.

The September 30 meeting can become an opportunity for better cooperation. Our neighborhoods need reliable services, safe streets, and leaders focused on solving problems.

I have more history to share, but my message today is clear: evaluate experience, examine results, demand accountability, and put Houston’s needs first.

I continue to recognize and respect Mayor John Whitmire’s long commitment to public service, and I encourage the mayor, controller, and City Council to work together for Houstonians.

R. C. “Ray” Jones
President, North Side Political Action Group
Chief Advisor, Houston Business Connections Newspaper 

and Ground Game Magazine

  

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The upcoming Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Midterm Election has huge historic implications for the United States of America. Early voting will begin Monday, October 19, 2026, and end Friday, October 30, 2026, in Texas.

Over $1.3 Million is Currently Sitting in the Campaign Bank Accounts of African American Democratic Judicial Nominees

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

Collectively, our “BLACK JUDICIAL TRAILBLAZERS” have approximately $1,307,856.57 inside their campaign bank accounts. Yes, with (28) twenty-eight days left before “ELECTION DAY,” these “THIRTY-ONE BLACK JUDICIAL CANDIDATES” have a combined total of over one million, three hundred and seven thousand dollars in their campaign bank accounts. That said, by comparison, their “REPUBLICAN OPPONENTS” have only about $250,732.96 in their bank accounts collectively.


CRAFT VS. CHALLENGER…

Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft (Democrat) currently has $209,758.97 in her campaign bank account, and her “REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER,” named Vance Christopher, only has $9,038.30 in his bank account, which means that if she uses her money right, Judge Craft, the presiding judge for the 189th Civil District Court, should dominate her Republican Challenger.

As a refresher, Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft, the presiding judge for the 189th Civil District Court, received 305,887 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Vance Christopher, who received only 154,884 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.


THOMAS VS. CHALLENGER…

Judge Katherine “Kat” Thomas (Democrat) currently has $183,951.49 in her campaign bank account, and her “REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER,” named Heather Hudson, has “ZERO” in her bank account, which means that if she uses her money right, Judge Thomas, the presiding judge for the 184th Criminal District Court, should dominate Hudson, her Republican Challenger.

As a refresher, Judge Katherine “Kat” Thomas, the presiding judge for the 184th Criminal District Court, received 300,671 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Heather Hudson, who received only 151,328 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.


TANNER VS. CHALLENGER…

Judge Germaine Tanner (Democrat) currently has $112,384.29 in her campaign bank account, and her “REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER,” named Joe Radler, only has $985.00 in his bank account, which means that if she uses her money right, Judge Tanner, the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court, should dominate her Republican Challenger.

As a refresher, Judge Germaine “Janet” Tanner, the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court, received 292,744 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONTRUNNER” over Joe Radler, who received only 147,810 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.


PAYNE VS. CHALLENGER…

Judge Latosha Lewis Payne (Democrat) currently has $103,041.87 in her campaign bank account, and her “REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER,” named Nile Copeland, has “ZERO” in his bank account, which means that if she uses her money right, Judge Payne, the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court, should dominate her Republican Challenger.

As a refresher, Latosha Lewis Payne, the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court, received 307,802 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Nile Copeland, who received only 155,552 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.


NELSON VS. CHALLENGER…

Judge Veronica M. Nelson (Democrat) currently has $99.788.12 inside her campaign bank account, and her “REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER,” named Bryan Honeycutt, has “ZERO” in his bank account, which means that if she uses her money right, Judge Nelson, the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court, should dominate her Republican Challenger.

As a refresher, Veronica M. Nelson, the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court, received 297,542 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Bryan Honeycutt, who received only 149,670 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.


CLOSING THOUGHTS…

Early voting in Texas begins Monday, October 19, 2026, and ends Friday, October 30, 2026. That said, for Democrats to have any shot at “FLIPPING TEXAS,” they must have a historic “BLACK VOTER TURNOUT” in Harris County, Texas. And with local Black judicial nominees only sitting on a collective $1.3 million, many of them could dominate their races if they receive financial support and greater emphasis is placed on “BLACK VOTER TURNOUT, ENGAGEMENT,” and mobilization in Harris County, Texas.

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Former Judge Jeralynn Manor's generous support makes it possible for us to report the news and conduct the important investigative research we deliver to the general public as part of our First Amendment Rights, to "Freedom of Speech" and "Freedom of the Press." That being said, we strongly encourage our readers from the left, right, and center to support Judge Jeralynn Manor if she decides to run for public office again.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

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"BECOME A SPONSOR."

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Angela Graves Harrington, the presiding judge for the 246th Family District Court, does not have a “REPUBLICAN OPPONENT,” and thus will win her race by default on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the General Midterm Election, in Harris County, Texas.

Angela M. Lancelin, the presiding judge for 245th Family District Court, received 295,179 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Paula Vlahakos, who only received 147,786 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Ashley Mayes Guice, the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 12, received 291,739 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER,” over Anna Emmons, who only received 146,496 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Beverly Armstrong, the presiding judge for the 208th Criminal District Court, received 299,755 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER,” over Stephen F. Driver, who only received 151,145 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Damiane “Dianne” Curvey, the presiding judge for the 280th Family Protective Order Court, received 293,267 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER,” over Rosa Cardenas, who only received 147,915 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Dedra Davis, the presiding judge for the 270th Civil District Court, received 223,421 votes to defeat Jimmie L. Brown, Jr., in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER,” over Brian Staley, who only received 153,512 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Ebony Williams is the Democratic nominee who defeated Judge Jim F. Kovach in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2, by receiving 209,592 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Mark Montgomery, who only received 149,513 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Germaine “Janet” Tanner, the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court, received 292,744 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Joe Radler, who only received 147,810 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Jermaine Thomas was appointed to serve as the presiding judge for County Civil Court at Law No. 5 by the Harris County Democratic Party Precinct Chairs. To whom it may concern, Judge Thomas is our choice on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the Midterm Election.

Juanita A. Jackson, the presiding judge for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 10, received 298,123 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Bao Hoang, who only received 145,669 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Katherine “Kat” Thomas, the presiding judge for the 184th Criminal District Court, received 300,671 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Heather Hudson, who only received 151,328 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

LaShawn A. Williams, the presiding judge for County Civil Court at Law No. 3, received 226,435 votes to defeat Miroslava “Miro” Mediola in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Israel Garcia, who only received 147,874 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

LaTosha Lewis Payne, the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court, received 307,802 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Nile Copeland, who only received 155,552 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Linda Marie Dunson, the presiding judge for the 309th Family District Court, received 294,143 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Melissa Fertel, who only received 147,750 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Lisa Jefferson, the Democratic nominee for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 2, received 45,200 votes, which makes her the “FRONT-RUNNER” who is running against Mark Fury, who received 26,116 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Lori Chambers Gray, the presiding judge for the 262nd Criminal District Court, received 296,033 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Nathan Moss, who only received 149,845 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Lucia Bates, the presiding Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, does not have a “REPUBLICAN OPPONENT,” and thus will win her race by default on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the General Midterm Election, in Harris County, Texas.

Melissa Marie Morris, the presiding judge for the 263rd Criminal District Court, received 297,652 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Jason A. Campo, who only received 149,585 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Melanie Miles, the judge-elect for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, does not have a “REPUBLICAN OPPONENT,” and thus will win her race by default on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the General Midterm Election.

Michelle Moore, the presiding judge of the 314th Juvenile District Court, does not have a “REPUBLICAN OPPONENT,” and thus will win her race by default on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the General Midterm Election, in Harris County, Texas.

Ramona Franklin, the Democratic nominee in the race for 496th Criminal District Court, received 190,423 votes to defeat Michael Abner in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Dan Simons, who only received 149,535 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Samantha Y. Davis, the Democratic nominee in the race for the 313th Juvenile District Court, received 302,146 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Amy Strickling, who only received 152,784 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Sandra Peake, the presiding judge of the 257th Family District Court, does not have a “REPUBLICAN OPPONENT,” and thus will win her race by default on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the General Midterm Election, in Harris County, Texas.

Sean Simon, the Democratic nominee running for Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2, is a “SLIGHT FAVORITE” over Judge Laryssa Korduba on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Harris County, Texas. If the Democratic voter turnout is historic, Simon could defeat Judge Korduba in this race.

Sedrick T. Walker, II, the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 11, received 292,317 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Elizabeth Buss, who only received 146,813 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Shannon B. Baldwin, the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 4, received 293,878 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Rebecca Philips Aceto, who only received 146,988 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Tamika “Tami” Craft, the presiding judge for the 189th Civil District Court, received 305,887 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Vance Christopher, who only received 154,884 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Tiffany M. Hill, the Democratic nominee for the 495th Criminal District Court, received 297,611 votes, which makes her the “FRONT-RUNNER” who is running against Lori Ann DeAngelo, who received 148,813 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Tonya Jones, the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 15, received 298,209 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Stephen C St. Martin, who only received 146,931 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Toria J. Finch, the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 9, received 290,711 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary, and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Xavier Alfaro, who only received 146,143 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

Veronica M. Nelson, the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court, received 297,542 votes in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary and is the “FRONT-RUNNER” over Bryan Honeycutt, who received only 149,670 votes, in the Republican Party Primary.

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