Results tallied from March 3 primaries
With most ballots now tallied from the March 3 primary elections, several major contests are headed toward May runoffs, while others have produced clear frontrunners based on available returns.
Harris County judge
On the Democratic side, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker led with roughly 46 percent of the vote, ahead of Letitia Plummer at about 38 percent, with approximately 87 percent of precincts reporting. Neither candidate is projected to reach a majority, making a May 26 runoff likely. Republicans Marty Lancton and George Harry Zoes led their fields with about 41 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
Precinct 2, Place 2 justice the peace
At press time, incumbent Dolores Lozano led with about 70 percent to Oscar Salazar Jr.’s 30 percent, with roughly 82 percent reporting. Republican Jack Ezell was unopposed in the primary
Texas House District 129
With about 92 percent reporting, former Clear Creek ISD trustee Scott Bowen has been projected the Republican nominee with approximately 70 percent of the vote. Longtime South Belt resident Bob Mitchell had about 43 percent. The seat opened when current HD-129 Rep. Dennis Paul filed for Senate District 11, where he ran unopposed.
Texas House District 144
Democrat Mary Ann Perez will face David Flores in the November election. Perez has 64 percent while Emmanuel Guerrero has 25 percent and Michael Montemayor has 10 percent.
Texas Senate District 11
On the Democratic side of the aisle, Shannon Dicely was leading with 75 percent of the vote over Cameron Rollwitz.
Other races
In the open Texas attorney general GOP primary, early returns showed Mayes Middleton performing strongly and positioned to either win outright or advance to a runoff. On the Democratic side, Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski were leading the field as counting continued.
In the U.S. Senate GOP primary, Ken Paxton was performing well and expected to advance to a runoff against incumbent John Cornyn. Among Democrats, James Talarico held a clear lead over Jasmine Crockett based on early totals and was expected to be declared winner.
To view the latest election results in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.org.
City transitions heavy-trash pickup
After years of delays, backlogs and staffing shortages, the city of Houston on March 2 shifted to a new on‑demand, appointment‑based system for heavy and junk waste collection, according to Solid Waste Department officials.
The change replaces the long‑standing model in which city trucks drove every street on fixed monthly routes – whether debris was present or not. Solid Waste Director Larius Hassan told City Council last month the old approach had become unworkable.
“The previous system wasn’t sustainable at a citywide scale,” said Hassan.
He explained that crews were wasting time and fuel covering entire neighborhoods even when no piles were set out.
“We’re riding streets that have no heavy trash on them, and we’re spending weeks there,” said Hassan.
City officials say the new system is designed to reduce delays, improve efficiency and give residents more predictable service.
How it works
– Residents must request pickup through 311 – by phone or online.
– Crews will collect only from addresses with confirmed appointments.
– Pickup is expected within about five business days of scheduling.
While multiple media outlets reported last month that the new system limits residents to only four heavy-trash pickups per year, the city of Houston had yet to formally confirm this cap at press time.
Why the change?
For the last several months, Houston’s heavy trash program has struggled with the following issues:
– Chronic staffing shortages.
– Weeks‑long delays in some neighborhoods.
– Inefficient routing, with trucks sweeping entire areas regardless of need.
City leaders also hope the appointment model will help curb illegal dumping, which remains a widespread problem.
In one recent four‑week period, Houston’s 311 system logged 659 illegal dump site reports, according to city data.
At a recent press conference, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said illegal dumping will be a top target of the Houston Police Department’s 2026 March on Crime initiative. See related story on this page.
Restrictions
– No household garbage will be accepted.
– No commercial or contractor debris will be accepted.
– All waste must be in compliance with the city’s size and weight limits.
– Tree waste and junk waste must be properly separated when applicable.
Neighborhood Depositories
For items not eligible for curbside pickup, residents can still use the city’s six Neighborhood Depositories, including one located at Ellington Airport. For additional information, call 311 or visit www.houstontx.gov/311.
E-mail mynews@southbeltleader.com with news items of interest.