Houston Latinos Show Broad Support for Mayor Whitmire Amid Party Tensions

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, a Democrat for 50 years, received recognition from prominent Latino leaders this month for appointing Latinas to key city positions, even as some local Democrats criticized him, according to the Houston Chronicle.

State Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, known for his outspoken defense of Latino communities, attended a reception honoring Sofia Gonzalez’s appointment to the Houston First Corporation and Nelly Treviño Santos’ new role in the Houston Municipal Courts. 

Walle previously made headlines with a viral 2023 tirade opposing Republicans’ attempt to limit discussion on Senate Bill 4, a measure that would empower local law enforcement to act as immigration agents. 

Despite criticism from the Harris County Democratic Party, which passed a symbolic resolution barring Whitmire from future endorsements, many Latino leaders defended him. State Sen. Carol Alvarado and state Reps. Walle, Ana Hernandez, and Mary Ann Perez, along with Harris County Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Lesley Briones, signed a letter urging party unity.

The resolution, passed by only 186 of roughly 600 Democratic precinct chairs, comes as the mayor continues to work across party lines, a strategy that previously helped him defeat Sheila Jackson Lee in a landslide. 

Whitmire’s efforts to reflect Houston’s diverse demographics in city leadership have drawn praise from multiple Latino organizations.

Houston’s Latino leaders emphasize that unity and collaboration are critical for advancing local and state policies. “Representation matters more than fiery rhetoric or infighting,” the Houston Chronicle reported, highlighting calls for Democrats to support a leader who has long been an ally to the city’s Mexican American community.