Harris County Democrats promise transparency while replacing Jackson Lee

Houston voters won't have a say in the selection of the Democratic nominee to replace late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Why it matters: Before tailoring their message to a broad swath of potential constituents, candidates vying for a spot on the November ballot must first sway a small group of political insiders.

Catch up quick: Jackson Lee represented Texas' 18th Congressional District for nearly three decades and had already locked up the Democratic nomination before her death last month.

• Now, the nomination is up to 88 of the Harris County Democratic Party's precinct chairs within the district, who will meet next week to choose their candidate.
• The district is drawn to favor a Democratic candidate. The nominee will face Republican Lana Centonze on Election Day.

Driving the news: Several Democrats announced Friday and over the weekend that they were seeking the nomination after Jackson Lee 's funeral.

• Those include familiar faces like former Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Council member Letitia Plummer, and former City Council member Amanda Edwards, who lost to Jackson Lee in the March primary, garnering 37.3% of the vote.
• State Reps. Jarvis Johnson and Christina Morales are also seeking the nomination, as are others.

Friction point: While the Democratic nominee will ultimately be decided by precinct chairs, Harris County Democratic Party chair Mike Doyle told Axios the party is working to make the process as "transparent and open to the public as possible."

• The party hosted a public Zoom call with candidates Tuesday night and has two more planned at 6pm Wednesday and again Thursday .
• "None of that's required," Doyle said. "The vote's required to be public … but everything else is the choice of the [congressional district] team chair and precinct chairs to make sure there's public input and public exposure."

The intrigue: Endorsements have already played a key role in narrowing the crowded field.

• Dwight Boykins, a former Houston City Council member, withdrew his name from consideration after Jackson Lee's two children endorsed Turner.
• "With respect to their wishes, I plan to bow out of the race because I think they have that right," Boykins told ABC13 this week.

University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus said that endorsement bodes well for Turner, especially if precinct chairs want to "keep it in the family."

Yes, but: With such a small electorate, however, endorsements might not mean as much, Rottinghaus said.

• Securing the nomination would likely require the same priorities as Jackson Lee, a staunch supporter of progressive policies.

What they're saying: "The personal touch and relationships are even more important for this kind of race than most races," he said. "Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy is the touchstone in this race. The candidate that articulates their vision as resonant with hers is critical."

What's next: Precinct chairs are scheduled to vote for the nominee Aug. 13 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.