Many recall that rising political star and former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards threw her hat in the ring to run for mayor, vying to take over for term-limited Sylvester Turner. But when longtime U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee entered Houston’s mayoral race, Edwards dropped out and chose to run for the U.S. Congress District 18 seat – the one Jackson Lee has held for the past 29 years and would relinquish if she became Houston’s next mayor.
But a funny thing happened on the way to their expectations: Jackson Lee lost the mayor’s race (won by John Whitmire), and though many thought Edwards would drop out of the District 18 race, she’s all in and looking to unseat the longtime incumbent who didn’t have to give up her congressional seat as she ran for mayor.
The Defender asked these two political juggernauts questions to see how they compare on issues relevant to the voters who will decide who represents District 18 moving forward.
Defender: What are the main points of your platform?
Jackson Lee: Having served almost 30 years in the U. S. Congress, I am very familiar with critical issues that mean the most to us including (a) the need to continue to bring billions of federal dollars back to the city and the 18th district that will enhance the overall quality of life for Houstonians; (b) providing affordable health care services for all as well as protecting the right of reproductive rights and freedom for women; (c) begin prioritizing projects that will rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and provide jobs due to the historic bi-partisan Infrastructure & Jobs Act; (d.) focus more on global warming and how we can better protect our environment to reduce climate change.
Edwards: The voters I meet every day in the district believe it is time for a community where everyone can thrive, and I agree. Therefore, my priorities as a member of Congress will be to expand access to quality, affordable health care; to expand economic opportunity, including for small-business owners and those seeking jobs in an evolving economy; to work to lower the rising costs of higher education; and to protect our democracy and safeguard our civil rights. I have discussed some of my approaches to these issues in detail in response to the questions above. Please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com for my full policy plan.
Defender: From your read, what are the top 1-3 issues Dist. 18 voters want to see addressed?
Jackson Lee: From my discussions with constituents, they are concerned about the state of our democracy being wiped out, the status of world peace, and not being able to provide for their families with the onset of inflation while not having decent wages, as well as losing their social security and retirement benefits.
Edwards: I hear every day from voters who are worried about the future. Many women are afraid because they live in the most dangerous state in the nation to become pregnant because of our restrictions on women’s reproductive health. Many people feel shut out of our region’s dynamic economy and from healthcare access. These voters need someone to hear them, but most importantly, they need someone who will work for them and deliver real, transformative change for the community.
Defender: What is your message to young people who say voting doesn’t matter because they believe 1) there’s no difference between Democrats and Republicans or 2) Democrats haven’t delivered on the big issues of criminal justice reform, gun reform, and student debt forgiveness?
Jackson Lee: There are distinctive differences between Democrats and Republicans, including the fact that the Republican Party has become the ‘Trump Party’ instead of a party driven by their original principles of serving others. The Democratic Party still remains committed to the Constitution of the United States with its decree of “in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice and insure domestic tranquility.” The Democratic Party is “for the people,” and in order to become a “more perfect union,” as the founding fathers declared, we must genuinely be concerned about the welfare of others. Civil engagement and voting is the process by which we can make necessary changes needed to create a conducive society for all.
Edwards: I understand the frustrations and concerns of young people who feel disillusioned with the political system. But I am a Democrat for a reason. Democrats champion progressive values such as equality, social justice, and environmental sustainability, unlike the Republican agenda. I happen to be a Democrat who will deliver the change talked about during campaign season – not just give a speech.
Crucial issues like criminal justice reform, gun reform, and student debt must be addressed and delivered. It is time for a fresh approach and innovative solutions to the obstacles faced in this arena so that faith in government can also be restored.
On criminal justice reform, while progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done to dismantle systemic inequalities and ensure fairness and justice for all. I’m committed to advocating for comprehensive reform measures that prioritize rehabilitation, community investment, and addressing root causes of crime.
Gun reform is another urgent issue where Democrats must show leadership. The issue is personal for me; when I was just a child, my cousin lost his life to gun violence. As a candidate, I pledge to push for common-sense gun safety laws that prioritize public safety without infringing on responsible gun ownership rights.
Regarding student debt forgiveness, I recognize the crushing burden that student loans place on individuals and families, hindering economic mobility and exacerbating inequality. While significant steps have been taken, such as expanding loan forgiveness programs and improving income-driven repayment plans, I’m committed to fighting for more substantial measures to alleviate the burden of student debt – not only broad-based forgiveness programs, but using federal purse strings to bend the ever-increasing cost curve of higher education.
This election is crucial because those who have been disappointed have the opportunity to do something different in this primary election in order to get something different in terms of results. We need different and more effective leaders in Congress to take a different approach, which can yield different results. Your vote does matter, and your participation is essential in shaping the future we want to see.
Defender: What’s the one issue most people aren’t discussing that you believe needs to be on our radar?
Jackson Lee: Even though there has been some national attention about climate change & global warming, many are still not concerned about how the declining quality of our air and water continually has an adverse effect on our environment and quality of life issues. Too many are still not involved in recycling efforts. More awareness must be raised about greenhouse gas and industrial emissions that affect the quality of the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. We must become more educated and do better to preserve our environment.
Edwards: I believe that many voters are not discussing how many of our rights have been eroded and taken away in recent years – and the fact that Texas has served as the vanguard for these changes. From voter suppression to banning women’s reproductive freedom, Republican advocates have tested policy approaches on Texans before rolling them out to the rest of the country. As a member of Congress, I will make it my mission to fight back, starting with a comprehensive approach to securing our democracy, including expanding and protecting voting rights and addressing the egregious gerrymandering that dilutes the votes of Black communities in particular.
Defender: What do you admire most about your opponent?
Jackson Lee: The willingness to run for public office and serve others.
Edwards: My opponent is rightfully known for her visibility across a breadth of platforms and her advocacy for issues she cares about. It’s important for elected officials to be visible and to bring attention to the experiences of the people they represent, and my opponent has demonstrated a consistent commitment to this aspect of public service.
Defender: What is the biggest thing that separates you from your opponent?
Jackson Lee: Primarily, the level of experience that has allowed me to learn a great deal about the inner workings of Congress. Because of established relationships, I have the capability to work across the aisle to work with those with whom we may have differences but can discuss issues and compromise when necessary.
Edwards: I was born, raised, and educated in this district, my family is from the district, and I have lived in this district. In all those years, the people of this district have continued to struggle with the same challenges: A lack of economic opportunities, a healthcare system that fails to adequately serve us, and a justice system that too often leaves us feeling unsafe. It is time for a new approach based on identifying real solutions to our lingering problems. It is also time for a leader to come in with a bold vision for our future who is able to pass policy that can lead to the transformative change the community deserves. As with any journey, there comes a time when a new approach, a fresh perspective, and new leadership is needed. We are at that moment in our collective journey. I will lead us to not just address the challenges of today but to realize our full potential and win tomorrow, as well.
Defender: How primarily will you make a difference in a Congress that has been historically deadlocked?
Jackson Lee: I will continue to interact and discuss policy and legislative changes that will be beneficial to the well-being of all of us. Open communication is the key to positive change, and we must start listening as well as talking to each other rather than “at” each other in order to find compromise and common ground.
Edwards: I served for four years in the non-partisan role of at-large member of the Houston City Council. That means having been elected by and serving the needs of the entire city of Houston, the fourth most populous city in the country, and the most diverse. And the major issues facing residents in the Houston region – health outcomes, infrastructure investment and flooding, jobs and economic opportunity – require a cooperative effort. My experience driving change as a City Council Member will inform my work in Congress. Working behind the scenes to obtain the needed outcomes is also a key to getting things done for the community, and I am ready to get to work and keep working until the needs of the community are served.
Defender: What will District 18 representation look like in 2024 and beyond with you in office?
Jackson Lee: For almost 30 years, I have delivered for Houston’s working families, seniors, small businesses, educators, children, and women, and I will continue to deliver for the 18th Congressional District constituents and Houstonians. I will continue to fight for affordable housing as well as fight to house the unhoused and homeless community; help working families thrive; continue to work with law enforcement agencies to help lower crime and prioritize public safety in our neighborhoods; promote small businesses and enhance economic opportunities; and help rebuild our infrastructure.
Edwards: My goal, if elected to Congress, is to create a community where everyone in it has the opportunity to thrive. In order to do so, I will lead in a way that is truly inclusive of the communities of District 18, many of whose views and experiences are consistently underrepresented when and where decisions are made. I will invite the 18th Congressional District to the table by way of having advisory groups to help advise me on policies and issues in the community, and I will be very present in the district in order to keep the line of communication open and cultivate a strong partnership with the community. I will actively advocate for the underrepresented Houstonians by introducing and supporting legislation addressing healthcare access, economic and educational equity, justice and voting rights, and other core issues of concern. I will engage with groups elevating the concerns of underrepresented residents and host regular community forums to understand and address residents’ specific concerns. I will work towards criminal justice reforms with an eye toward the safety of marginalized groups, and will promote the protection of our civil and democratic rights. I will also identify and secure federal grants and other resources to support efforts that fall in line with these values and objectives. I will consider it my duty and my commitment to foster a society where everyone, including the Black community that comprises the core of this district, can thrive.
