Annise Parker has won the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle in the city’s runoff election for mayor, an achievement that could boost her campaign in its final three weeks.

Parker finished first in the general election November 3rd, and now faces former city attorney Gene Locke in the runoff election December 12th.  If she wins, Houston will become the largest U.S. city to elect an openly LGBT mayor.  Parker has been elected citywide six times–to the city council and then as City Controller–each time with the backing of the Victory Fund.

According to the Chronicle’s editors:

In both her public and personal life, Parker has maintained high ethical standards and decorum in her years as an elected official. No scandals have occurred on her watch. As mayor she will present the city’s best face to the world, one of tolerance, diversity and compassion for all our citizens.

The Chronicle urges voters to allow Parker to take her high standards and solid record of accomplishment to the city’s highest office.

A recent public poll by KHUF found the race nearly a dead heat, with Parker’s 3-point lead within the poll’s margin of error.  An earlier poll released by the Parker campaign showed her with a wider lead.

The endorsement ran in Sunday’s Houston Chronicle.  For more information about getting involved in Annise Parker’s campaign, go here.