Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), has announced her candidacy in the special election to fill her mother’s seat in Texas’s 18th Congressional District.
In her announcement on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, Carter stressed the importance of unity within the Democratic Party, urging Harris County Democrats to unite to continue her mother’s legacy.
Carter, who has not previously held elected office, stated that her decision to run was motivated by calls from “community leaders and democratic stalwarts” to complete her mother’s term. However, she did not specify whether she would pursue the seat in the upcoming general election.
“I call on all Harris County Democrats to unite to ensure that the people of the 18th Congressional District regain their vote on critical national issues,” Carter said. “Together, we will finish for my mom, The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee.”
A special election will be held on November 5 to determine who will serve the remainder of Jackson Lee’s term, which ends in January. Carter is vying for this temporary position, while the Democratic nominee for the full term will face a Republican challenger in the general election.
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is also running for the seat, has been endorsed by Carter and her brother, making him the likely favorite for the two-year term.
If elected to complete her mother’s term, Carter has pledged to uphold her mother’s commitment to justice, equality, healthcare, human rights, and economic opportunity.
“It is my desire to finish the 118th session in the way that she would have,” Carter said.
Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) set the date for the special election following Jackson Lee’s death on July 19 at the age of 74.
The late congresswoman had served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1995 and was a prominent figure in Texas politics. Her passing left a significant void in the 18th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold that overwhelmingly supported Jackson Lee throughout her career.
Jackson Lee’s final political campaign was in the 2023 Houston mayoral race, where she narrowly lost in the Democratic primary runoff to current Mayor John Whitmire.
The election was marked by controversy following the release of audio recordings allegedly capturing Jackson Lee berating her staff, which likely contributed to her defeat.
The upcoming special election presents a unique challenge for Houston voters, who will cast ballots on two separate lines for the same congressional seat—one for the temporary position and another for the full two-year term.
