HOUSTON – The 18th Congressional District of Texas is once again facing a leadership transition following the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner at age 70.
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Turner, a longtime public servant who previously served as Houston mayor and in the Texas House of Representatives, has died, Mayor John Whitmire confirmed. His passing leaves yet another a vacancy in Congress, raising questions about the next steps in filling his seat.
READ: ‘I’ve lost a personal friend:’ Mayor Whitmire offers condolences to Sylvester Turner
What happens next?
When a sitting U.S. representative dies, the governor of their state is responsible for calling a special election to fill the vacancy.
In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has full discretion over when to schedule the election, as state law does not impose a deadline.
RELATED: Key highlights from Sylvester Turner’s tenure as Houston mayor
Historically, these elections have been called quickly, but the timing often depends on political and logistical factors.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party must nominate a candidate for the November general election.
READ: Sylvester Turner, former Houston mayor and congressman, remembered for political legacy
The executive committee of the Harris County Democratic Party will meet to select a nominee, with a deadline of Aug. 26 to finalize its decision.
Potential candidates
The 18th District, a longtime Democratic stronghold, has drawn interest from several potential candidates. Among the names being discussed are former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, and current City Council member Letitia Plummer.
VIDEOS: A look back at Sylvester Turner’s key leadership moments
Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, briefly held the seat before Turner was officially sworn in and could also be a contender.
As Texas’ 18th Congressional District prepares for another transition, the focus remains on maintaining the leadership and progress championed by both Turner and Jackson Lee.