The race to succeed the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for the 18th U.S. Congressional District of Texas is heating up, with several prominent candidates announcing their intention to run.
Former Mayor Sylvester Turner
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Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has declared his candidacy, emphasizing his commitment to continue Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy of service and advocacy while ensuring stability and continuity in leadership during these uncertain times.
Turner made the following statement:
“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. For more than 35 years, I’ve watched the Congresswoman serve our community with vigor and integrity. She followed in the footsteps of Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, and Craig Washington with dignity and helped preserve the legacy of this historic seat.
Only Sheila’s passing at this critical moment in the election cycle could bring me out of retirement. Given all the uncertainty at the national level, I believe the 18th District needs stability and continuity in leadership. We must keep federal resources flowing into the district to address challenges such as the cancer cluster in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, and continued funding for local organizations for health care, flood mitigation and education.
Our next representative must also meet the high bar of compassion, caring, and humanity that was the hallmark of Sheila’s leadership and public service. Comforting families who have lost loved ones, spending quality time with seniors while offering a helping hand – for me, these commitments deserve equal attention as the Washington duties of a member of Congress. I have worked closely with the Congresswoman, U.S. Presidents, and federal departments at the highest levels during my time as mayor and 27 years in the Texas House. I am best positioned to ensure the ball is not dropped on servicing the needs of the entire 18th Congressional District.”
State Rep. Jarvis Johnson
During a phone call with KPRC 2 Investigates’ Mario Diaz, State Representative Jarvis Johnson confirmed his candidacy, noting, “Those are big shoes to fill. I don’t think anyone can fill the shoes of the great Sheila Jackson Lee.”
READ MORE: Who wants Representative Sheila Jackson Lee’s seat?
Johnson released the following statement regarding the 18th Congressional District Race.
“For most of my adult life, I’ve observed Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee prioritize the needs of our voters and the 18th Congressional District. In light of her recent passing, we approach this announcement with utmost care and the fight tim reverence for her legacy. Given the tight timeline-Democratic party decisions looming within a month-we must continue meeting the people’s needs. Just as Joe Biden passed the torch to a willing and able candidate, I stand ready to provide cohesion and strength, while fighting for the 18th District against the Republican regime. I will do all I can to help Vice President Kamala Harris become the next President of this country, by invigorating the voting base that has grown weary and tired of “politics as usual” within the Democratic Party.
Councilwoman Letitia Plummer
Council Member Letitia Plummer also seeks the nomination. Plummer aims to build on Jackson Lee’s legacy and address key issues such as justice, equality, and opportunity for all.
“Together, we can build a brighter future, rooted in justice, equality, and opportunity for all. We must rise to the challenge and create a legacy of progress and hope for generations to come,” Plummer said in a press release.
Councilwoman Amanda Edwards
Former At-Large Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards announced her candidacy as well, emphasizing her commitment to solving complex challenges and seizing opportunities for the community. Edwards, who started her career in Jackson Lee’s D.C. office, said she aims to continue the strong legacy of servant leadership in the 18th Congressional District.
“I am running for Congress to place people over politics, to deliver the results our community deserves, and to continue the strong legacy of servant leadership in the 18th Congressional District. From the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, the late Congressman Mickey Leland, Congressman Craig Washington and, most recently, the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the people of the 18th Congressional District expect bold, effective leadership. I got my start in Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s D.C. office 20 years ago, and I have been directly trained by Congresswoman Jackson Lee,” Edwards said in a press release. “I am uniquely equipped to continue her legacy and fight for our rights, as well as elevate innovative solutions that can move our community forward in a transformative way. This battle is for the long haul.”
The Democratic Party’s nominee will be selected by the Democratic Executive Committee members serving the 18th Congressional District in mid-August, following party rules.
READ MORE: ‘She was brave:’ Sheila Jackson Lee’s staff remember her work and commitment
Kevin Dural
Kevin Dural, businessman from Texas, announced his run to represent House District 18 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Texans need a real candidate to oppose Sylvester Turner on the ballot in this special election,” said Dural. “We need real Republicans and real conservative values to represent Texans on the ballot. If it wasn’t for Governor Abbott calling the special election, it might have been the Democrat committees selecting the candidate. That would not have been true representation,” he said.
“Republicans are tired of nationally-powerful figures and left-wing elitists. Sylvester Turner has been a dynamo in Houston, and nobody has more respect for him than I do. We are both candidates that are true to our values. I will be the option that fights for lower taxes, gun ownership, and true border security to stop this Fentanyl and human trafficking crisis. I oppose the agenda of the woke left, and I praise Governor Abbott for his leadership in calling the special election. I thank the Texans in my district who have encouraged us to put a true conservative voice on the ballot,” said Dural.