We have an important election for President coming up. This election which will be held on Tuesday November 5, will also determine who represents Congressional District 18 after the death of Sheila Jackson Lee.
For that office, there will be two (2) elections on the same ballot, a special election and a general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The special election is to fill the CD18 seat for Sheila Jackson Lee's remaining term, about 7 weeks until the new Representative is sworn in for the full term. Anyone can file to run for this short term (except the Democratic nominee chosen to run in the general election). Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter, Erica Lee Carter, has declared that she is running for this special election.
The general election is for a full two year term for CD18. Sylvester Turner, our former mayor who owns the 11th Street curbed bicycle lanes, has declared that he wants to be the nominee. He is the heavy favorite as of this writing.
The Harris County Democratic Party chairs (there are 88) will decide tonight who they will put up to run for this congressional seat by an open public vote. Everyone will know how every chair voted, so you know there will be pressure to vote for the "right" candidate. Gaming this out, there is an idea floating around of promoting a Sheila Jackson Lee dynasty. First her daughter holds the seat for the remainder of SJL's term in 2024, then Sly gets elected and acts as a placeholder for the daughter until she runs (or he decides to vacate) in 2026 or 2028.
I hold nothing against Congresswoman Lee; she was a force to be reckoned with and her memory deserves respect. I also have nothing to say against Erica Carter either, but I say no dynasty. You have to earn the seat independent of your mother, Erica.
The party chairs should think twice about making Sly their nominee. He is a sick old man who has trouble speaking clearly after his treatment for bone cancer and probably lacks the stamina to effectively represent the district. An argument to vote for him is that an incumbent Turner is the only sure bet for a Democratic candidate who can defeat some future Republican or Latino/a opponent in 2026 or 2028. That scenario is highly unlikely unless Latinos start voting in numbers.
And does anyone really believe Turner will step aside after one or two terms in office? The power of holding elective office is seductive for certain individuals.
Further and aside from the 11th Street controversy, many voters believe either he or his associates are corrupt. Does the Harris County Democratic Party really want to nominate this person to run for Congress? You are condemned for the company you keep, folks.
There is instead an opponent (maybe 2) to vote for.
Some argue against voting for the opponent because of the specter of Project 25 and a Republican majority in Congress. Really? The district is solidly Democratic, so the seat is in no real jeopardy. Most likely, the Democratic nominee (Turner) will take the seat no matter what.
Consider carefully your vote. No vote and the Democratic nominee will win. Vote against the Democratic nominee and you send a message to the Harris County Democratic Party and their likely nominee, Sylvester Turner, even if he is ultimately elected. A low vote count sends its own message.
Early voting is from Monday October 21 - Friday November 1, from 7am to 7pm. Election Day is Tuesday November 5, 2024, from 7am to 7pm. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is October 25. https://www.harrisvotes.com/Voter/View-information-for-upcoming-Elections