Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has announced her candidacy for the special election to complete her mother's term as the representative of Texas' 18th Congressional District. Carter aims to honor her mother's legacy by continuing her work in public service.
HOUSTON (AP) — On Monday, Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, declared her intention to participate in the forthcoming special election to fulfill her mother's term as Texas' 18th Congressional District representative. Carter expressed her intention to honor her mother's legacy through public service, stating, "I want to finish for my mom."
Photo Source Fox 26 Houston
Carter underscored the significance of maintaining the work to which her mother devoted her life in her announcement. "My mother was re-elected to the 118th Congress by the people of the 18th Congressional District to safeguard their interests and preserve our democratic principles," she stated. "Since that time, numerous Democratic stalwarts and community leaders have petitioned me to participate in the November 5th Special Election to complete her term." YES, the response is, after serious consideration.
The remainder of Jackson Lee's tenure, which will end on January 3, 2025, will be completed by the special election planned to take place on November 5. From the Old Spanish Trail area in the south to Westfield and Bush Intercontinental Airport in the north, the district is a diverse region that stretches from Westfield to Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Carter's announcement took place almost two weeks after the funeral service for her mother, which was attended by hundreds of people who expressed their sympathies.
Since 2020, Carter has worked for Rodney Ellis, the Commissioner of Harris County Precinct 1. Carter has a history of engaging in public service. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her master's degree in public policy from Duke University.
Carter expressed his gratitude: "I have personally observed my mother's extraordinary dedication to public service and legislative expertise." Carter hopes to continue carrying the flame her mother passed on to her.
Carter's campaign is currently focused on the most important issues to electors as the particular election date approaches. "I am committed to finishing the 118th session just as my mother would have—by fighting for justice, equality, healthcare, human rights, and economic opportunity for all -if the people of the 18th Congressional District entrust me with their vote," said the aspiring candidate.
The Harris County Clerk's Office announced that the special election will be included on the ballot. From 2025 through 2027, the representative will be chosen through the regular election process; however, the special election winner will continue to serve until the legislative session concludes.
As Lee Carter campaigns to finish the term that her late mother, Sheila, will have served in Congress, she is confronted with severe hurdles. To successfully navigate the demanding field of up to seventeen candidates and mobilize voters across the ever-changing political environment of Houston's 18th Congressional District, it will be essential for her to uphold her mother's legacy while simultaneously developing her own identity.
Carter needs to accomplish additional tasks to obtain financing, interact with the community, and demonstrate her dedication to public service by tangible support at the polls. To finish what her mother started in the forthcoming special election, she must balance these considerations, which will test her determination and political savvy.
In light of the shifting political climate, the community will focus on the next elections to honor Sheila Jackson Lee and continue looking forward.
The deadline for applications to participate in the extraordinary election is this coming Thursday, August 22.
