Who Will Succeed Sheila Jackson Lee In Congress?

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty

F ormer Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is one step closer to becoming the next congressman of Texas. On Aug. 13, members of the state’s 18th Congressional District voted to select the 69-year-old politician as the Democratic candidate to replace the late Houston, Texas, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on the Nov. 5 ballot.

According to the Texas Tribun e, 88 party members voted in favor of Turner, who served as Houston’s Mayor from 2016 until Jan. 2024. He secured 41 votes, narrowly beating former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, who garnered 37 votes.

Now, Turner will face Republican Lana Centonze in the Nov. 5 general election for the chance to permanently secure Jackson Lee’s seat, which will become vacant on Jan. 3, 2025. Jackson Lee, who served Texas’ 18th Congressional District for over three decades, passed away in July after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death occurred shortly after she won the Democratic primary in March against Edwards.

Turner is considered the strong favorite in the heavily Democratic district. He secured the Democratic nomination by gaining substantial support from local precinct chairs at a party meeting in Houston, as reported by ABC News . Turner also completed an impactful eight-year term as Houston’s mayor in January.

He’s ready to fight for quality education and healthcare on behalf of Houston residents.

Before securing the Democratic nomination, Turner gave a speech pledging to address key issues for Houston residents, including education, climate change, affordable housing, and economic revitalization.

“There are communities within the 18th who have been ignored for decades and we need to draw down all of these federal dollars that are possible.”

Turner and Jackson Lee shared a strong political bond throughout the years.

He endorsed her candidacy for mayor in 2023, and they both champion similar progressive goals for Houston. Turner has pledged to secure essential funding to support and uplift underserved communities, continuing the work Jackson Lee was known for in bringing millions of federal dollars to Houston for flood control, health care and public safety. Additionally, Turner supports legislation aimed at protecting women from domestic violence, establishing federal abortion rights, safeguarding LGBTQ rights, and enhancing transparency in policing.

As mayor of Houston, the largest city in Texas, Turner managed the city’s responses to major crises, including Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Winter Storm Uri, the Texas Tribune highlighted . He collaborated with state and federal officials to obtain additional disaster relief funds, including $50 million from Governor Greg Abbott following Hurricane Harvey. Turner also championed pension reform early in his tenure, successfully advocating for legislative changes in 2017.

In one of his final acts as mayor, Turner lobbied the Republican National Committee to host its 2028 national convention in Houston. The city was officially selected for the convention last year.

Erica Lee Carter is seeking to serve out the remainder of her mother’s term.

Until a winner is determined between Turner and Centonze, someone will need to fill Jackson Lee’s seat temporarily. Erica Lee Carter, the late representative’s daughter, is stepping forward to continue her mother’s legacy. In the special election, also scheduled for Nov. 5, voters will have the chance to cast their ballots for Lee Carter along with several other candidates. Those interested in running for this special election must file by Aug. 22, according to the Texas Tribune.

“I want to finish for my mom,” Lee Carter said in a statement, according to NBC News . “The people of the 18th Congressional District reelected my mother to the 118th Congress to protect their interests and uphold our democratic values.”

She added, “Congresswoman Jackson Lee kept their interests in her heart and mind until the very end.”

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