HOUSTON–Today, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced his intention to run for the Democratic party nomination for Congress, in the historic 18th Congressional District in Texas. The district has been represented for the past 30 years by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19, 2024.
The Democratic Party’s nominee will be selected by the Democratic Executive Committee members serving the 18th Congressional District pursuant to Democratic party rules. The selection will be made in mid-August.
Mayor Turner also released a list of endorsements by prominent leaders, which can be found at the bottom of this release and at www.SylvesterTurner.com.
Mayor Turner made the following statement:
“The historic 18th Congressional District in the heart of Houston is without representation today. Upon the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, we have a painful decision to make. We need to select who will fill her shoes, as we mourn her death.
“For more than 35 years, I’ve watched the Congresswoman serve our community with vigor and integrity. She followed in the footsteps of Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, and Craig Washington with dignity and helped preserve the legacy of this historic seat.
“Only Sheila’s passing at this critical moment in the election cycle could bring me out of retirement. Given all the uncertainty at the national level, I believe the 18th District needs stability and continuity in leadership.
“We must keep federal resources flowing into the district to address challenges such as the cancer cluster in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, and continued funding for local organizations for health care, flood mitigation and education.
“Our next representative must also meet the high bar of compassion, caring, and humanity that was the hallmark of Sheila’s leadership and public service. Comforting families who have lost loved ones, spending quality time with seniors while offering a helping hand – for me, these commitments deserve equal attention as the Washington duties of a member of Congress.
“I have worked closely with the Congresswoman, U.S. Presidents, and federal departments at the highest levels during my time as mayor and 27 years in the Texas House. I am best positioned to ensure the ball is not dropped on servicing the needs of the entire 18th Congressional District.”
Endorsements:
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
State Representative Senfronia Thompson
State Representative Harold Dutton
State Representative Garnet Coleman
State Representative Alma Allen
State Representative Ana Hernandez
State Representative Armando Walle
State Representative Ann Johnson
State Representative Jolanda Jones
County Judge Lina Hidalgo
County Attorney Christian Menefee
Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Controller Chris Hollins
Council Member Abbie Kamin
Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz
Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Texas Democratic Party Treasurer Odus Evbagharu
Statewide Texas Coalition of Black Democrats Chair Dr. Candice Matthews
Pastor Darrell Broussard
Pastor Isaac Matthews
Pastor Ralph West
Gerald Womack
Tanya Dubose
Edna Griggs Maxine
Seals SEIU-TX
(partial list)
Leave a Comment