Paul Cobler

2 months ago | houstonlanding.org | Paul Cobler

State of H-Town is a weekly wrapup of Houston-area politics. The recall effort against Houston Mayor John Whitmire may be finding its way into the headlines, but Houstonians frustrated with his leadership probably should not hold their breath. Whitmire himself does not appear to be concerned about the campaign’s chances of success, dismissing them during a testy press conference on Wednesday. “I think it’s silly. Doesn’t even deserve a response, quite frankly.

Mar 28, 2025 | houstonlanding.org | Paul Cobler

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has had his eye on higher office for a while now. Menefee made a name for himself during his first term in office fighting for environmental justice and defending against Republican lawsuits targeting some of the county’s liberal priorities. In an interview last week about the launch of his campaign for the Congressional District 18 seat left vacant by Sylvester Turner’s death, the 36-year-old said he had considered running for the seat last fall.

Mar 24, 2025 | houstonlanding.org | Paul Cobler

After a whirlwind week of campaign announcements, endorsements and articles by national media, voters in Congressional District 18 could be forgiven for thinking Election Day is right around the corner. In fact, the candidates vying for attention and support still do not know when Election Day will be, though it likely will not be until near the end of the year.

Mar 17, 2025 | houstonlanding.org | Paul Cobler

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee’s decision to announce his candidacy for the vacant Congressional District 18 seat automatically triggered his resignation, and local Republicans already are campaigning for the candidate he beat last November to take over his job. The Texas Constitution contains a provision that prohibits certain local officials from running for an office other than the one they currently hold.

Mar 15, 2025 | texastribune.org | Paul Cobler |Houston Landing

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Congressman and former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner was laid to rest Saturday, culminating a week of memorials and tributes, with friends and colleagues across political lines celebrating him as an icon of the city who lived a life of public service with joy and faith.