First it was former First Lady Hillary Clinton being anointed as Democratic candidate for New York Senator by Democratic insiders.
Then it was Vice President Kamala Harris taking over for ailing President Joe Biden without a single vote being cast.
Now, deep in the heart of Texas, the tradition of Democrats looking to anoint a successor continues.
Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has announced her bid to fill her mother’s seat in Texas’ 18th congressional district.
The announcement, made Monday via social media, looks to box out other Democratic elected officials using the demands for “unity.”
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime Democratic figure in D.C. for nearly three decades, passed away at 74 shortly after revealing her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Her death has set in motion a rapid political succession process in the Houston-based district she represented since 1995.
Carter took over her late mother’s social media accounts on X and Instagram to announced her intentions to keep the seat in her family.
“I want to finish for my mom!” and said Democratic leadership had urged her to keep the seat.
“Several community leaders and democratic stalwarts have requested that I consider completing her term this year by running in the November 5th Special Election,” Carter wrote. “After careful consideration, the answer is YES.”
Carter’s entry into the race looks to box out other, less well-known Democratic candidates. Other contenders include:
- Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
- Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards
- State Representative Jarvis Johnson
- State Representative Christina Morales
The special election, set for November 5 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, will determine who serves out the remainder of Jackson Lee’s term in the 118th Congress. Candidates have until August 22 to file their bid for the election.
Adding another layer of complexity to the process, the Harris County Democratic Party’s precinct chairs will meet on Tuesday at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to select their nominee for the general election. This open forum vote, separate from the special election, will play a crucial role in determining the establishment’s long-term representation for the district.
Carter, in her announcement, called for “unity” among Harris County Democrats “to ensure that the people of the 18th Congressional District regain their vote on critical national issues.”
She emphasized her family connection to the establishment, stating, “I cared for her until the end and 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.”
The race for Texas’ 18th district is attracting significant attention, not only due to the power vacuum left by Lee but also because of its potential impact on the balance of power in the closely divided House of Representatives.
The district, which has been a Democratic stronghold for decades, is expected to remain in Democratic hands — but the selection of the nominee could signal shifts in the party’s direction and priorities.
The coming weeks will see if there’s a real campaign and debate for the position — or if Democratic Party leaders anoint Carter to the position.
Erica Lee Carter – Daughter of The Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issues the following statement:
“I WANT TO FINISH FOR MY MOM!” pic.twitter.com/HuYv3rbXFh
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@SJacksonLee) August 12, 2024