Based Mayor Whitmire Has Not Come out in Support of Kamala Harris Presidential Run

Houston Mayor John Whitmire doesn't seem poised to join the growing list of politicians supporting Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. 

"I am focused on storm recovery," Whitmire said in a statement to Chron Monday afternoon. "I look forward to visiting with the Vice President about her vision for improving major cities, including federal funding for homelessness and other pressing issues." 

According to Whitmire spokesperson Mary Benton, the mayor was "looking forward" to hosting President Joe Biden in Houston on Thursday to get an update on recovery efforts after Beryl hit the Texas southeast coast on July 8, knocking out power for millions and killing at least 23 people.

In a press conference Sunday, Whitmire acknowledged Biden's exit from the ballot and later thanked the president for his years in public service. "I think he’s made all of us proud with his public service record,” Whitmire said. “I think he competes with me in spending most of your adult life in public service. I wish him well, but right now my focus is on Houstonians and their recovery."

With less than four months until the November election, Whitmire's office didn't specify if or when he plans to endorse Harris.

Whitmire's name was also missing from the list of nearly 300 Democratic mayors who put their full support behind Harris, according to a statement by the Democratic Mayor's Association. A few names among the coalition include former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mayor of San Antonio Ron Nirenberg, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.