The race for Houston's next mayor is heating up for the Dec. 12 runoff election, with former Marshallite Gene Locke in for the fight.

"It's a fight to get started again," said his mother, Jean Birmingham of Marshall. "We're rejuvenating and reorganizing and restarting, getting ready to go again."

If elected, Locke will be only the second black mayor of the nation's third largest city.

"I'm very excited that he has even reached the runoff because he has had some very stiff competition who spent a lot more money than he did," said Ms. Birmingham. "This is another treat for him to be included in the runoff. It is indeed a pleasure and honor for him to receive that."

Locke is facing off against Houston City Controller Annise Parker following Tuesday's election, which narrowed the field from six candidates.

Locke previously served the City of Houston as its attorney during the tenure of former mayor Bob Lanier, who appointed him to the position.

"He wants to bring all of Houston together and by working together. He says Houston can still be the greatest city in the country," said his mother.

She praised her son's accomplishments and believes he is the right man to be mayor of Houston, describing him as driven.

"He has a lot of drive and stamina and says he's used to challenges. So he's ready to fight this challenge with Annise Parker," said Ms. Birmingham.

Locke is currently working with the renowned law firm of Andrews and Kirth, which has offices throughout the country.

Some of his other experience includes being the special assistant to former U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland during his tenure in Washington, D.C.

"Because his family was in Houston, he came back home and started his law practice," she said.

Practicing law in Houston has also given Locke the opportunity to support children's education including improving the sports authority and recreation.

"He is very interested in the future of Houston because he is interested in the young people, boys and girls who will be the citizens of tomorrow," said Ms. Birmingham.

Locke's drive for success was just as present during his youth. "He was reared here in Marshall and finished valedictorian of his class in 1965," said his mother. "He went from there to the University of Houston and put himself to school."

From there, Locke went on to earn his law degree while holding down a job and raising two children, she said.

"He still remembers his Marshall roots — very well he remembers them — and is constantly inquiring about Marshall folks," said Ms. Birmingham. "He remembers his early education in the Marshall public schools and his teachers who encouraged him and kept him going."

Locke's family is no stranger to public service, as Ms. Birmingham served for 14 years on the Marshall City Commission. Her late husband, Sam Birmingham, was a former mayor of Marshall.

"Our service possibly inspired him to go into politics," she said. "But being a lawyer, he was encouraged by his coworkers and the citizens of Houston to run."

Locke has received numerous endorsements, including that of the Houston Chronicle and the city's police and fire associations.

"The men and women in blue who are on the front lines protecting this community believe Gene Locke is the only candidate for mayor who will work closely with the Houston Police to make sure you are safe in your home," Gary Blankinship, president of the Houston Police Officers' Union, said in a statement.

In Marshall, however, no endorsement could be stronger than that of Ms. Birmingham, a secret weapon in his campaign.

"We love her here, and we think she is definitely an asset," said Locke campaign staffer Carolyn Campbell. "She is as much a star here as she is in Marshall."

Ms. Campbell praised Ms. Birmingham's work fielding phone calls for his campaign, doing radio interviews and being a presence of support for her son's mayoral bid. "He is very connected to Marshall, especially with his mom still living there," she added. "Whenever he gets a chance, he tells people about his upbringing and his roots."

In a tough campaign, it is important for candidates to help people figure out who they are. "A lot of who you are is based on your upbringing, and certainly Marshall has played a part in his early life."

Ms. Campbell added that there is a circle of supporters and volunteers from Marshall who are aiding in the campaign along with Ms. Birmingham.

"I hope people in Marshall will tell their friends, relatives and associates in Houston that he was reared in Marshall and is a Marshall guy," Ms. Birmingham added. "And that they should vote for Gene Locke in the runoff. He is the best for that city."

Contact Terri Hahn: thahn@marshallnewsmessenger.com.