HOUSTON — The daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee wants to finish out her mother’s term.
On Monday, Erica Lee Carter announced she’s running in the special election for the 18th Congressional District that Gov. Greg Abbott called. The special election is Nov. 5, the same day as the general election.
In her announcement, Carter thanked the community for their support in this difficult time for her family. She went on to say a lot of people encouraged her to complete her mother’s term.
“After careful consideration, the answer is YES,” Carter said in the news release announcing her intention to run.
Last week, NAACP Houston President James Dixon said he would run in the special election, but also said that if Carter got into the race, he would drop out and support her.
His office released the following statement Monday afternoon after Carter announced she's running.
“Upon learning of Erica Lee Carter’s decision to seek being elected to finish her mother’s unexpired term, Bishop James Dixon immediately follows through on his commitment to give her his total support,” it read in part. “I thank Erica for her gracious phone call earlier today. Her desire to finish her mother’s term is both admired and respected. The strength that she is showing by taking this step is a reminder that she is definitely Sheila’s daughter.”
"Together, we will finish for my Mom," Carter said. "The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee."
The special election is to complete Jackson Lee's current term, which ends in January. Separate from that, multiple candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to be the Democratic nominee for District. 18 in the Nov. 5 election.
Dixon went on to say that he would not be a candidate in either race.
Jackson Lee died on July 19, two months after announcing she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Known by her constituents as simply, "Congresswoman," Jackson Lee served the public for more than 30 years. Jackson Lee had a hand in several legislative victories over the decades, including establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.