Now there are two.
In a tight race for mayor marked by few fireworks and light turnout, City Controller Annise Parker led with 30 percent of the vote.
Attorney Gene Locke and Houston City Councilmember Peter Brown fought for second place through much of the evening. Locke prevailed with 26 percent to Brown's 22 percent.
Harris County Board of Education trustee Roy Morales, the only self-described conservative in the race, trailed closely behind with a surprising 20 percent.
Parker and Locke will face off in a runoff election on Dec. 12.
The race among three term-limited council members seeking to succeed Parker as city controller was just as close. Ron Green led with 36 percent, while MJ Khan, with 33 percent of the vote, squeaked by Pam Holm, with 31 percent, for the second spot.
Green and Khan will be on the December ballot, along with several council races in which candidates did not receive 50 percent of Tuesday's vote.