Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has announced that she will seek a 16th term in Congress in 2024, just two days after being defeated in her bid to become Houston’s next mayor. Jackson Lee, a Democrat, has represented Houston’s historically Black neighborhoods since 1995. She expressed enthusiasm for continuing to uplift the 18th Congressional District, despite losing the mayoral race.
During the mayoral campaign, Jackson Lee was outspent and faced controversy over an unverified audio recording that purportedly captured her berating staff. She ultimately lost to state Sen. John Whitmire, who became the city’s first Black mayor. Jackson Lee’s defeat was disappointing as she sought to become Houston’s first Black female mayor.
Looking ahead to her congressional reelection bid, Jackson Lee will face at least one primary challenger: former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards, who once interned in Jackson Lee’s office.
Throughout her career, Jackson Lee has focused on addressing the needs of her district and serving its community. Her decision to seek another term in Congress highlights her commitment to representing her constituents and continuing the work she has done over the past decades.
The race for the Democratic nomination will likely be a closely watched and contested one, as both candidates are well-known in the community. Jackson Lee’s announcement sets the stage for an interesting and potentially competitive primary as she seeks to continue serving her district for another term.
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