HOUSTON — As U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, D-Texas, and Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire vie for the chance to become the next Houston mayor, the current man on the job has given his endorsement to one candidate.

Mayor Sylvester Turner endorses Jackson Lee for the job. She thanked him for the ongoing support she’s received over the years.

Whitmire and Jackson Lee are seeking to replace Mayor Turner, who has served eight years and can’t run again because of term limits.

If elected, Jackson Lee would be Houston’s first Black female mayor, a meaningful change for America’s fourth-largest city. Since 1995, she has represented Houston in Congress.

Jackson Lee told supporters Tuesday night that she’s focused on providing for the needs of families and children as well as prioritizing public safety, creating more jobs for residents and showing she can be a mayor “for all of the people.”

Neither Whitmire nor Jackson Lee made it to the 50% mark to take the election. However, one candidate did better at the polls than the other. Whitmire got 42.5% of the votes, while Jackson Lee got 35.6%.

The runoff between the two will be Dec. 9.

Check out the full event of Mayor Turner endorsing Jackson Lee.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.