“Let’s take a moment to root ourselves in gratitude and bask in our community, and let’s get to work.”
State Sen. Molly Cook narrowly defeated state Rep. Jarvis Johnson on Tuesday, as the two faced off for the second time this month in the race to secure the Texas Senate seat previously held by Mayor John Whitmire.
The two candidates advanced to a runoff during the Democratic primary in March, eliminating four other contenders. Cook then defeated Johnson, 57% to 43%, in a special election in early May to determine who would finish out the remainder of Whitmire’s term. The victory allowed Cook to represent the deep-blue Senate District 15 through the end of the year.
On Tuesday, Cook triumphed over Johnson again, 50.2% to 49.8%, during the primary runoff. With 18,782 votes cast in the low-turnout election, Cook prevailed by 74 votes. She will now face businessman Joseph Trahan, the sole Republican to enter the race, in November.
Given the district’s history as a Democratic stronghold, Tuesday’s voters have likely determined who would ultimately serve the district for a full four-year term starting next year.
“Winning a Texas Senate seat is a big deal, and it tastes extra sweet because it is born of sheer grit, determination, and teamwork. We have organized for years, stayed true to our values, and built momentum that extends beyond this election,” Cook said in a statement. “Let’s take a moment to root ourselves in gratitude and bask in our community, and let’s get to work.”
The District 15 seat became vacant for the first time since 1983, after Whitmire left the Legislature to serve as Houston’s mayor in January.
The highly diverse district includes several of Houston’s prominent neighborhoods, including Montrose and the Heights. Its population is composed of 40% Hispanic, 29% white, 22% Black and 9% Asian residents, according to state data based on the U.S. Census.