Sylvester Turner Selected as Democratic Candidate for Congress

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been selected by Harris County Democrats as the nominee for the upcoming general election to succeed the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Texas's 18th Congressional District. Turner won the nomination by a narrow margin of 41-37 against former City Council member Amanda Edwards after a runoff vote. Jackson Lee, who passed away from pancreatic cancer, had already secured the Democratic nomination for another term before her death. Turner, who brings extensive political experience, has the backing of Jackson Lee’s children and is considered the favorite to win in the heavily Democratic district. The general election is scheduled for November 5, coinciding with a special election for Jackson Lee's remaining term, in which her daughter, Erica Lee Carter, is also a candidate. Candidates have until next week to register for the elections.