Mayoral candidate, Benjamin Hall, III, held his watch party at the House of Dereon Media Center on election night. Dim lights illuminated by blue fluorescents flashed over a room filled with anticipation for the outcome of Ben Hall’s campaigning.

Upbeat music and food flowed throughout the night as supporters awaited Hall to come and speak to them again about the future of Houston.

“I am hopeful about the election results,” said Maggie Lipsom, a Hall supporter. “I’ve lived in Houston for 25 years and I haven’t been this enthused about an election ever.”
From time to time the poll results would appear on the stage screen showing Hall lagging in numbers but the crowd continued to stay strong in their support.

“It’s still early and they are still tallying so I’ll wait until the end,” said Mark Johnson.

By 8:30 pm, Hall and staff emerged ready to address the supporters. Judge Alvin Zimmerman, campaign treasurer started the speeches by giving his heartfelt thanks for a dynamic campaign.

“I’m very proud of his upstanding righteous campaign that Ben Hall ran compared to what he was faced with and we thank you all for getting behind him and your support,” said Zimmerman.

Congressman Al Green graced the stage next as he was charged to introduce Hall. Green expressed how honored he was to be there and to be able to introduce such a very dear friend of his.

“A friend will tell you Ben Hall is a person of great character and integrity. Rev. Lawson reminds me that reputation is what people think of you and character is who you are. Ben Hall has a great reputation and is known large and wide for his largess and for what he has done for those we consider the least in our community,” said Congressman Al Green. “That largess means a lot to the people I represent. He has represented the least, the last and the lost and he has earned a great reputation for it. Hall has demonstrated to me his character. Character is who you really are. I have been there in quiet moments when we have had to make some crucial decisions that affect the lives of others and I can tell you that in every moment when Benjamin had an opportunity to be of service to someone in need he always displayed the character necessary to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. He’s a person of character.”

After such a kind and supportive introduction Hall moved center to speak. He called his campaign stating the numbers didn’t show promise of a win.

“We had the opportunity to look at the initial numbers in this election and we may not have enough votes to be the next mayor of the city of Houston but that doesn’t end this journey. I love this great city and it definitely doesn’t end our appreciation for all of your hard work and efforts that were given to make this campaign competitive and to make sure the issues that really are important are addressed to awaken the mayor’s office to concerns of the entire city,” said Hall.

He thanked Houston for a wonderful time and campaign. Hall promised his supporters that this won’t be the last time they hear from him and he will continue to challenge the status quo.

“If nothing else we have said to city hall we deserve and demand better streets, we have said we must address crime in the city and make areas safe for all we have challenged and said Houston has a better future than its past. So I stand tonight, called Mayor Parker and told her the number may not speak well tonight for us but it does not end this journey,” said Hall.

The final votes came out with Hall earning 46,828 votes to Mayor Parker’s 97,165 votes. He secured 27.58% of the votes compared to the 57.22% of the incumbent mayor.