HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — While tributes continue to pour in for Sheila Jackson Lee after her death last week, the process has already begun to find a new Democratic candidate to replace her name on the November general election ballot.
Jackson Lee won a primary earlier this year and was set to go against Republican Lana Centonze. Now, a process laid out in state law allows the county’s Democratic party officials to select who will appear on the ballot in November.
“This is a district that is really at the heart of Harris County and it's important that we have a continuing strong voice in Congress, in the nation,” Mike Doyle, chair of the Harris County Democrats told KHOU 11 News. “And this process will ensure that the Democrats will have a chance to vote for a Democrat that meets that criteria.”
The Democratic Party of Harris County will gather the names of those wanting to run for the position, vet the candidates and the approximately 88 precinct chairs of the 18th Congressional District will vote on who will take Jackson Lee’s position on the ballot.
The vote is expected to take place on August 16 or 17 with the certification by the Secretary of State no later than August 26.
Prior to that, officials said there will be a public and televised forum on August 10.
As for the rest of Jackson Lee’s term that ends in January, party officials said they are doubtful a special election will take place any time soon.
“There's every reason to make sure that Congressional District 18, Harris County is represented in Congress,” Doyle said. “I do not expect, unfortunately, Governor Abbott, given the politics, given his stance, to actually call a special election before the end of the year.”
KHOU 11 News reached out to the governor’s office but did not get a response back.
Potential candidates
On Tuesday, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told KHOU’s Len Cannon he was ‘seriously considering’ a run for the seat and would make an announcement in the coming days.
Later in the day, a spokesperson for State Rep. Jarvis Johnson said he is “100 percent running.”
“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,” Johnson said in a statement.
Amanda Edwards, the runner-up in the Democratic primary against Jackson Lee earlier this year, said while her interest in serving the community remains the same, she wants to honor and respect the timing of Jackson Lee’s passing. She wants to discuss the topic of the 18th Congressional District seat at a later time.
KHOU 11 News also reached out to the campaign of State Rep. Jolanda Jones but did not receive a response.
Read Jarvis Johnsons' full statement below:
"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 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.