HOUSTON, Texas — The race for Houston mayor will head to a runoff between incumbent Mayor Sylvester Turner and East Texas native Tony Buzbee.
As of 7 a.m., with 867 of 976 precincts reporting, Turner tallied 114,477 votes, or 46% of the ballots – less than the 50%--plus-one-vote needed to win outright. Buzbee, an Atlanta, Texas, native turned millionaire lawyer, garnered 69,264 votes, or 28% of the ballots.
Turner will face Buzbee in the runoff set for December 14.
The lead-up to Tuesday's election was contentious, with a dozen candidates vying for the city's top spot.
On Tuesday night, Turner came out to talk to supporters, thanking them for helping him get the lead he’s holding onto.
“I know you all have been waiting for quite some time and we all know it’s going to be a long evening, but let me start out by thanking each and every one of you,” said Turner. “Let me thank you for your support and not just in this campaign, but let me thank you for your support over the last four years.”
Buzbee also spoke to those who came out to support his campaign Tuesday.
“Back on October 31, I started this race with the idea to get Houston back on track. I knew that I wouldn’t be the most popular person,” said Buzbee. “I knew people would accuse me of being a politician. I’m not a politician. I deeply care about the city of Houston."
Bill King was trailing, but didn't give a concession speech. Instead, he said his team will continue watching as results come in.
It was a tough night all the way around for results in Harris County. Numbers trickled in as a change late last week meant that all ballots would have to be driven to the downtown counting center.
