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A member of the Houston City Council has entered his name onto the list of people looking to succeed Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, according to a report from Houston ABC affiliate KTRK.
Robert Gallegos hopes to move a few seats down to the center of the horseshoe in the Anna Russell Council Chamber at city hall.
Citing a local publication, KTRK reported that Gallegos, who represents Houston’s predominantly Hispanic East End, submitted his campaign fundraising paperwork on Thursday.
The lone Hispanic on the 17-person body, he touted his experience as ideal for the Bayou City’s highest office.
"What I bring is over nine years’ experience in the trenches making a difference," the councilman said in a released statement, per the publication. "Our city is at a crossroads. We need strong leadership to make city government work and a vision that makes this a world class city on public safety, city infrastructure, improved affordability and equal opportunity in every part of this city."
Gallegos joins a crowded slate that includes veteran state lawmaker John Whitmire, ex-interim Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins and former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards.
The election, which is to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, is projected to be among the most costly in the city’s recent history and may draw more candidates before the August deadline.
Per KTRK, a victory at the polls would make Gallegos Houston’s first Latino mayor.
Gallegos’ biography on the city’s governmental website says he was born and raised in the East End.
First elected to the city council in 2013, he counts the restoration of the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course and the establishment of Houston Botanic Garden as his signature achievements.
Houston Daily reported in October that Gallegos was among those opposed to a merger of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS).