HOUSTON (AP) _ Houston’s elected finance chief plans to run for mayor of the nation’s fourth-largest city.
City Controller Annise Parker would be Houston’s first openly gay mayor if elected Nov. 3.
She says her financial experience can help navigate tough economic times.
Parker is in her third term as city controller and, like Mayor Bill White, can’t run for re-election because of term limits.
Councilman Peter Brown also is running for Houston mayor. Former Texas Gov. Mark White is among those considering a run.
Bill White is planning a run for the U.S. Senate upon the departure of Kay Bailey Hutchison, who plans to challenge Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary next year.