Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to Replace Sheila Jackson Lee on November Ballot

HOUSTON (AP) — Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, has been selected as the Democratic nominee to fill the vacant seat of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19 due to pancreatic cancer. The decision was made during a meeting of 78 Democratic precinct chairs at Wheeler Baptist Church in Houston, where Turner narrowly defeated former city council member Amanda Edwards in a two-round voting process. Turner received 41 votes in the final round, compared to Edwards' 37. Turner, who previously served in the Texas House of Representatives and as mayor from 2016 to 2024, emphasized his commitment to issues such as education, healthcare, climate change, and affordable housing during his campaign. He expressed his honor in being chosen to represent the historic 18th Congressional District and pledged to honor Jackson Lee's legacy while working to advance Democratic goals. The upcoming election on November 5 will not only determine who will serve the full term in Congress but will also include a special election to fill Jackson Lee's seat for the remaining term of the 118th Congress. Erica Lee Carter, Jackson Lee's daughter, is expected to run in the special election. The district is considered solidly Democratic, with Turner favored against Republican challenger Lana Centonze, as the Cook Political Report rates the race as “solid Democratic.”