Former Houston Mayor Turner Will Replace Jackson Lee On Ballot

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will replace Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot for the 18th Congressional District following the death of the representative.

On Tuesday, Harris County Democratic Party leaders gathered at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Curch’s Community Life Center to elect the replacement for Jackson Lee. The Houston Chronicle reported that 79 precinct chairs casted their votes on the gathering.

In the first round, Turner secured 35 votes and former council member Amanda Edwards secured 34. Because no candidate won a majority, the top two entered a second round, where Turner received 41 votes, winning the nomination.

“You can’t replace her, but you can certainly serve and honor her, and that is what I intend to do,” he said after being declared the winner.

Jackson Lee died in office last month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Turner was a friend and ally of Jackson Lee in life and previously said that the passing of his friend motivated him to come out of retirement.

Turner served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024. Before this, he served 27 years in the Texas Legislature as a state representative. He told the Chronicle that, if elected, only plans to serve a maximum of four years in the House, before letting new generations compete for the seat.

He has also battled cancer. He went through radiation treatment and a surgery in 2024 after doctors discovered a tumor in his jaw. He recently had a follow-up surgery to remove a metal rod from the reconstructed bone. 

“Just because you’ve had cancer, doesn’t mean your life comes to an end. It doesn’t mean you stop working,” he said. He told the Chronicle that he wants to fight for affordable care for all Houstonians as he experienced how expensive treatment is. “It’s not just political, it’s personal.”

He added that he also would be focusing on improving affordable housing, community revitalization and environmental equity.