Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has announced his candidacy for the Texas 18th Congressional District seat, left vacant following the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Turner made his formal announcement on Friday, having previously told that he was “strongly considering” a run for the position.
In his statement, Turner expressed his sorrow over Jackson Lee’s passing and emphasized the need for strong representation in the historic 18th Congressional District. Turner stated, “The historic 18th Congressional District in the heart of Houston is without representation today. Upon the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, we have a painful decision to make. We need to select who will fill her shoes as we mourn her death.”
Turner, who recently completed two terms as Houston’s mayor and has decades of experience in the Texas House of Representatives, has received endorsements from Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
Other candidates have also launched campaigns, including former City Council member Amanda Edwards and former Councilman Dwight Boykins. Edwards announced her candidacy on social media, stating her intention to honor Jackson Lee’s legacy while introducing new solutions.
State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, current Houston Councilwoman Letitia Plummer, and State Rep. Christina Morales have also declared their intention to run for the seat.
The precinct chairs in District 18 are tasked with selecting a candidate by August 18, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which begins on August 19. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has scheduled a special election for November 5 to fill the seat, with early voting starting on October 21.
