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Older voters will likely come out in substantial numbers to vote in the 2023 Houston Mayoral election, with 84% of surveyed registered voters 50-plus saying they are very likely to vote. Given the powerful influence of these older voters, AARP Texas commissioned a survey of 805 registered voters age 50 and older in Houston to better understand the needs and wants of this group. The survey was designed to assess issues that are critical to Houston voters as they cast their ballots and identify the areas that voters want addressed by the city's next leader.

spinner image "Houston City Hall over pond in urban park, Houston, Texas, United States"

Key Findings

Addressing crime and safety in the city and the economic pressure many are facing amid inflation are top priorities that Houston voters age 50-plus want the next mayor to address, with 89% saying addressing crime and safety is very important and 75% saying addressing jobs and the economy is very important. These are also the issues most likely to influence voting behavior at the ballot box. Utility costs are also top priorities, with 75% of Houston voters 50-plus indicating that the cost of utilities is very important for the future mayor to consider - and half (52%) are much more likely to vote for a candidate that will work to lower utility bills, such as water.

Nearly half (44%) of voters 50-plus considered leaving Houston in the past year, which is linked to a perceived increase in violence in the city as well as rising costs. Houston voters 50-plus want community support that enables residents to remain in their communities as they age. More than two-thirds of voters 50-plus say it is very important that the next mayor work to bring the community accessible and affordable health care and support services, and safe, walkable neighborhoods with better transportation.

Methodology

AARP engaged ANR Market Research Consultants to conduct a telephone survey among Houston, TX registered voters age 50-plus. The telephone survey was conducted between August 8, 2023, and August 17, 2023, by both landline and cell phone. All data are weighted by age, gender, and race/ethnicity according to 2023 Texas voter database statistics.

For more information, please contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.