the Virginia legislature, bringing a post-Civil War low for the Democratic Party. The Covenant Party led by Benigno Fitial won control of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives, but the Northern Mariana Islands Senate would remain in Republican control. Local elections Mayoral elections Some of the many major American cities that held their mayoral elections in 2003 included: Charlotte- Incumbent Mayor Pat McCrory (R) was re-elected. Chicago- Incumbent Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) was re-elected. Chicago was the most populous city to hold a mayoral election in 2003. Houston- Former United States Deputy Secretary of Energy Bill White (D) defeated Former Councilman Orlando Sanchez in an open seat election to succeed term-limited Mayor Lee P. Brown. Jacksonville- Former Chairman of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority John Peyton (R) was elected Mayor of Jacksonville in 2003. Philadelphia- Incumbent Mayor John F. Street (D) defeated CEO of Greater Philadelphia First Sam Katz (R) to win re-election. Raleigh- Incumbent Mayor Charles Meeker (D) was re-elected. San Francisco- San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Gavin Newsom (D) won an open seat election to succeed term-limited Mayor Willie Brown (D). References General 2003 November 2003 events in the United States