Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is the Democrats’ pick for Jackson Lee seat in Congress
Harris County Democratic leaders made their choice to represent the party in the November election.
Sylvester Turner Wins Harris County Democrats' Nomination to Replace Sheila Jackson Lee
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is poised to become the next congressman representing Houston 's 18th District, securing the Democratic nomination Tuesday after a vote by a committee of party officials. Turner narrowly beat out former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, winning 41 votes to her 37.
The selection process was expedited due to the untimely passing of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee last month. Jackson Lee, who had already secured the Democratic primary for the seat in March, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Edwards, who had initially lost to Jackson Lee in the primary, reentered the race for the nomination. Robert Slater, a restaurateur who trailed significantly in the primary, also expressed interest.
Both Turner and Edwards failed to secure a majority in the initial round of voting, triggering a runoff. Turner ultimately prevailed, highlighting his familiarity with federal funding projects and his experience as mayor during major disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also secured the endorsement of Jackson Lee's children.
While Edwards emphasized her potential to build seniority in the U.S. House, Turner, at 69, committed to serving no more than two terms, paving the way for a standard Democratic primary process in future elections.
The election took place at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston 's Third Ward. Seven candidates, including Turner, Edwards, and state Representatives Jarvis Johnson and Christina Morales, participated in a public forum prior to the vote. Johnson dropped out of the race before the final vote, urging his supporters to back Edwards.
Turner will face Republican Lana Centonze in the general election in November. This race is separate from the special election, also on November 5th, to fill Jackson Lee's seat for the remainder of her term, which ends in January. Jackson Lee's daughter, Erica Lee Carter, has announced her candidacy for the special election.
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is poised to become the next congressman representing Houston 's 18th District, securing the Democratic nomination Tuesday after a vote by a committee of party officials. Turner narrowly beat out former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, winning 41 votes to her 37.
The selection process was expedited due to the untimely passing of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee last month. Jackson Lee, who had already secured the Democratic primary for the seat in March, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Edwards, who had initially lost to Jackson Lee in the primary, reentered the race for the nomination. Robert Slater, a restaurateur who trailed significantly in the primary, also expressed interest.
Both Turner and Edwards failed to secure a majority in the initial round of voting, triggering a runoff. Turner ultimately prevailed, highlighting his familiarity with federal funding projects and his experience as mayor during major disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also secured the endorsement of Jackson Lee's children.
While Edwards emphasized her potential to build seniority in the U.S. House, Turner, at 69, committed to serving no more than two terms, paving the way for a standard Democratic primary process in future elections.
The election took place at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston 's Third Ward. Seven candidates, including Turner, Edwards, and state Representatives Jarvis Johnson and Christina Morales, participated in a public forum prior to the vote. Johnson dropped out of the race before the final vote, urging his supporters to back Edwards.
Turner will face Republican Lana Centonze in the general election in November. This race is separate from the special election, also on November 5th, to fill Jackson Lee's seat for the remainder of her term, which ends in January. Jackson Lee's daughter, Erica Lee Carter, has announced her candidacy for the special election.