Houston used to be a conservative city even when run by dims. My parents moved us there in the mid 1960’s. I left in 1980. From back then to now, the city government has catered to dimrat voters to the point that more and more right thinking people gave up and left for the outlying suburbs. Those suburbs are more like Houston was 40 years ago. The city is now run by people elected by those left behind.
Anise Porker was elected three times. During her first two terms, she never brought this up. This is her last term, so she is free to do what she wants. Also having a compliant city council helps.