HOUSTON — Annise Parker earlier this week became mayor of the fourth largest city in the United States.
With 53 percent of Houston voters behind her, the 53-year-old lesbian and mother of three defeated her republican rival Gene Locke.
“Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the doors to history,” the democrat mayor-elect told an audience after her victory. “I acknowledge that. I embrace that. I know what this win means to many of us who thought we could never achieve high office. I know what it means. I understand, because I feel it, too. But now, from this moment, let us join as one community. We are united in one goal in making this city the city that it can be, should be, might be, will be.”
Parker, who currently works as the city controller, will be entering office Jan. 1, replacing Houston Mayor Bill White.
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