Overview
- Precinct chairs voted 186-80 at a crowded meeting at Ripley House to block the mayor from receiving future Harris County Democratic Party endorsements.
- The action followed Whitmire’s appearance at an April fundraiser for Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw and advanced through the party’s resolutions and steering committees.
- Whitmire responded that the resolution “changes nothing,” pointing to his five-decade Democratic record and pledging to keep working across the political spectrum.
- Top Democrats divided over the measure, with officials such as Rep. Lizzie Fletcher urging unity as County Judge Lina Hidalgo publicly called for passage and progressive groups backed the ban.
- Political analysts and activists disagreed on the impact for 2027, noting endorsements provide grassroots advantages even though the nonpartisan mayor’s race may not feature a party endorsement if multiple Democrats run.