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Since 1995, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee has represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District, where she has won 15 U.S. House elections. But after the veteran congresswoman died Friday at age 74, the district will have a new member representing them in Washington.
The possibility and timing of a special election to fill Jackson Lee’s seat for the remainder of his current term, which ends in January, remains uncertain.
Gov. Greg Abbott may call a special election to fill the congressional seat later this year. State law does not specify a time limit for calling a special election, but if an election is called, the election must be held within two months of the notice. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
When Republican US Representative Ron Wright died of Covid-19 in 2021, a special election was called within that month.
“The history of Texas is to call a special election and fill an unexpired term. So that’s what we expect Governor Abbott to do,” said Texas Democratic Attorney Chad Dunn.
Jackson Lee died of pancreatic cancer.
She should be on the November general election ballot after defeating Jackson Lee’s former coach, Amanda Edwards, in the March Democratic primary. Democrats must now decide on another nominee.
Texas law establishes procedures for Democrats to nominate a new candidate to run against Republican nominee Lana Centones in the general election.
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“Sheila Jackson Lee cannot be replaced,” Dunn said, adding that the county will hold a meeting for at least 10 days to select a new candidate.
That meeting includes the Harris County Democratic Party executive committee, which Texas law requires until Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. to nominate someone. A group of Harris County Precinct Leaders – elected officials who represent districts in the county. Harris County currently has approximately 130 campus chairs.
During the committee’s selection process, potential candidates present their case to campus leaders, explaining their positions and priorities. Dunn said it’s still a “very democratic process” because the meetings are public and neighborhood leaders are “the smallest unit of representative government we have.”
The committee is allowed to nominate anyone, even if they do not live in the district.
If the vote is not made in time, the Texas Democrat gets an additional two days to vote, though this scenario is unlikely. This provision is mostly for large districts in many rural districts where it is difficult to organize meetings on time.
Jackson Lee is on the ballot if the Texas Democratic Party fails to make a new nomination in time. If he is elected, the seat will be vacated and a new election will be held.
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