Salinas is the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina elected to Houston City Council and the first Latina elected citywide in nearly 30 years, since Gracie Saenz served as At-Large member and Mayor Pro Tem from 1992-1997. She won the December 2025 special election runoff with 59.3% of the vote, defeating former Council Member Dwight Boykins by nearly 20 points after outraising him $700K to $140K. In the nation's fourth-largest city, her presence brings both Latina and LGBTQ+ representation to a council shaping Houston's response to ICE enforcement, infrastructure, and affordability.
Salinas fills the At-Large 4 seat vacated by Letitia Plummer, who stepped down to run for Harris County Judge. She was sworn in January 6, 2026 for a short initial term ending January 2028, as all 16 council seats go on the ballot in November 2027. She emerged from a 15-candidate field with 21% in the November general, narrowly edging Boykins (20%) to force the runoff. Endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Houston Chronicle, and multiple labor unions. Has spoken out against Houston's cooperation with ICE, revealing a U.S. citizen relative was wrongly detained.
Key dates to watch: General Election on November 2, 2027.