Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Eyes Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s Seat

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has confirmed that he is considering running for Sheila Jackson Lee’s vacant seat, following the Congresswoman’s death.

Turner revealed to KHOU 11 that he is “seriously considering” running for the 18th Congressional District seat, previously owned by Jackson Lee.

Jackson Lee, a democrat, passed away at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer, leaving her seat vacant.

Turner, 69, told KHOU 11 that the passing of his friend at this critical juncture has motivated him to potentially come out of retirement. He emphasized the need for stability and continuity in the 18th Congressional District during these turbulent national times.

Turner served as Houston’s mayor from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2024. Before his tenure as mayor, he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1989 to 2016. In addition, Turner also overcame his own battle with cancer in 2022.

Turner told KHOU 11 that he will make his decision in the coming days.

Following Jackson’s Lee death, the Congress needed to find someone to fill the vacant seat, and then, democrats would need to appoint someone to run in her place, as the Congresswoman was seeking reelection.

Gov. Greg Abbott will call for a special election, allowing the public to choose someone to serve out the rest of the term, which ends in January. KHOU 11 political analyst and University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus explained that anyone can enter this special election, though Abbott could seek ways to favor Republicans.

“The governor can kind of delay things so that it is the case that Republicans have a bit easier time in terms of getting a majority after, that this happens,” Rottinghaus said.

Harris County Democrats must nominate a new candidate to fill her spot on the ballot. If they cannot decide on a candidate, the decision will go to a state executive committee.