Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has announced her intention to complete her late mother’s term in the current congressional session. In a statement, Carter expressed her desire to “finish for my mom” and serve as the representative for the 18th Congressional District. The district encompasses areas from the Westfield and Bush Intercontinental Airport to the Old Spanish Trail.
Carter emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting the interests of the district’s constituents, just as her mother had done. She acknowledged the support she has received from community leaders and prominent members of the Democratic Party who have encouraged her to run in the special election on November 5th.
While Carter intends to run for the remainder of her mother’s term, she has made it clear that she does not plan to seek re-election for the next term. Her decision to endorse former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner as her mother’s successor demonstrates her confidence in his ability to continue the work her mother started.
The special election to fill the unfinished term has attracted a significant number of candidates, with up to 17 individuals seeking the Democratic nomination. Among them is Turner, who has received endorsements from Carter and her brother. The Democratic nominee will face off against Lana Centonze, the Republican nominee, in the general election.
The nomination process involves precinct chairs voting for their preferred candidate. To secure the nomination, a candidate must receive 50% plus 1% of the votes. If no candidate reaches this threshold on the first ballot, a runoff between the top two vote-getters will determine the nominee.
It is important to note that the special election will be clearly marked on the ballot to distinguish it from the general election. The Harris County Clerk’s Office has confirmed that voters will be aware that they are participating in a special election. The deadline for candidates to file their applications for the special election is Thursday, August 22nd.
The decision by Erica Lee Carter to continue her mother’s legacy and seek election to complete her term demonstrates her commitment to serving the constituents of the 18th Congressional District. With the support of community leaders and her endorsement of Sylvester Turner, Carter’s candidacy brings a new sense of hope and continuity to the district. The upcoming special election will be a crucial moment in determining the future representation of the district and the continuation of the work started by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
