by The Black Wall Street Times
HOUSTON—Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, has announced her candidacy for the 18th Congressional District in a special election. This decision comes just weeks after the passing of her mother, who served the district with dedication for many years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The people of the 18th Congressional District re-elected my mother to the 118th Congress to protect their interest and uphold our democratic values. Congresswoman Jackson Lee kept their interests in her heart and mind until the very end.
Since then, so many community leaders and democratic stalwarts have requested that I consider completing her term this year by running in the November 5th Special Election. After careful consideration, the answer is YES,” Erica Lee Carter said in a statement.
Carter emphasized her commitment to upholding the values her mother stood for. She thanked the Houston community for their overwhelming support and shared how the outpouring of love has brought comfort to her family, including her brother Jason and her father Elwyn, who was married to Sheila Jackson Lee for 51 years.
Reflecting on her mother’s dedication, Carter shared how Sheila Jackson Lee worked tirelessly for the people of the 18th Congressional District, often staying late at her office and supporting community events. Erica stated that she cared for her mother until the end and now feels called to complete the work her mother started.
Erica Lee Carter adds, “If the people of the 18th Congressional District entrust me with their vote, then it is my desire to finish the 118th session in the way that she would have, by supporting justice, equality, healthcare, human rights, and economic opportunity for all.
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. Together, we will finish for my mom, The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee.”
The special election will determine who will finish the current term, which ends on January 3, 2025. Additionally, there will be a separate election on November 5 for the next term, which will run from 2025 to 2027. In that race, precinct judges will meet to choose a candidate to run against Republican Lana Centonze.
Erica Lee Carter’s candidacy is a significant moment for the district as she seeks to carry forward the work and legacy of her mother, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 30 years.
