If you’re confused about the process of choosing who will succeed the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in representing the historic 18th Congressional District, get in line.
On Nov. 5, while the nation is voting to decide who will be the next POTUS, one of the biggest down-ballot races includes the race for the 18th. However, Texas Governor Greg Abbott chose that date to hold a special election to determine who would fill Jackson Lee’s seat for the remainder of her term, which ends Jan. 3, 2025.
Abbott was not required to call for a special election, as the “regular” election for that seat was already scheduled for Nov. 5. Mike Doyle, chair of the Harris County Democrats, called Abbott’s decision “an attempt to confuse and create voting havoc in November.”
CLARITY
Abbott’s called special election means on Nov. 5 there will be two people chosen to represent the 18th:
- one will hold the seat until Jackson-Lee’s term ends (Jan. 3, 2025);
- one will officially replace Jackson-Lee moving forward.
At press time, the list of candidates for the “temporary” position has not been finalized. Candidates have until Aug. 22 to register to run in the special election.
The person who is likely to take Jackson Lee’s seat in Congress beginning Jan. 3, 2025 will effectively be selected by 88 Harris County Democratic precinct chairs when they gather to make that decision on Aug. 13.
That candidate will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot against Republican Lana Centonze. But because the district is solidly blue, the Democratic candidate will likely be the next to sit in the seat held in the past by Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington and Jackson Lee.
“This selection process highlights a key aspect of our democratic system—local representatives have a significant role in determining their district’s future leadership,” said Melanie Miles Bazil, president of Southeast Democrats Network and Precinct Chair #0140.
CANDIDATES
Since the candidate selection is internal within the party, there is no formal filing process for candidates and precinct chairs could theoretically choose anyone.
Of the 15 Democrats who have been in touch with the county party, several who are running have extensive elected experience: former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards — who faced off against Jackson Lee in the primary, State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, State Rep. Jolanda Jones, State Rep. Christina Morales, Bishop James Dixon, and Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer. Former Houston City Council Member Dwight Boykins, who put his name in the ring, dropped out of the race after Jackson Lee’s family endorsed Turner. Activist Corisha Rogers is also seeking the seat.
FORUM
That endorsement notwithstanding, this Saturday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (1906 Cleburne St., Houston, 77004), the Southeast Democrats Network and the Black Women of Greater Houston PAC will host a candidates’ forum for those contending to become the next Democratic nominee for the Congressional District 18 seat.
And because precinct judges will be making their decision on who will be the Democratic nominee for that seat, the Aug. 10 forum is critically important.
“These precinct chairs, representing various segments of the district, will listen to and evaluate the potential candidates before making their decision,” said Bazil, one of the event’s main organizers.
“This event offers not only a platform for candidates to present their visions but also an essential opportunity for the public to engage directly with those who seek to represent them,” added Bazil.
DeLaun Dillard, Fox26 Houston morning anchor, and Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO of the Defender Network, will moderate the forum.
“[The forum] ensures that voters have a chance to hear from the candidates about their plans and priorities. The involvement of prominent moderators underscores the significance of this event in shaping the future of the 18th congressional district.”
