HOUSTON – Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has officially launched his campaign run for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, previously held by the late Sylvester Turner and Sheila Jackson Lee.
In a news release from Menfee’s campaign team, he is backed by Erica Lee Carter, the late congresswoman’s daughter, who previously held Jackson Lee’s seat before Turner was sworn in January and is currently serving as his campaign’s chairwoman.
MORE: What’s next for 18th Congressional District after Sylvester Turner’s passing?
Lee Carter shared her endorsement for the County Attorney in a statement on social media noting she was encouraged to run for the congressional seat herself but said it’s not her time.
“As the Special Election approaches, many have encouraged me to run, but after much thought, I’ve decided now is not the time for me to return to Washington D.C.,” she said in the post. “I believe I can serve my community in other ways and look forward to working on the issues that matter most to Houston. It is for that reason, I am proud to endorse Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee in the 2025 Special Election for 18th Congressional District of Texas.”
Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter, 18th Congressional
— Erica Lee Carter (@EricaSLeeCarter) March 17, 2025
District Special Election Decision and Endorsement
It is for that reason, I am proud to endorse Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee in the 2025 Special Election for the 18th Congressional District of Texas. @CDMenefee pic.twitter.com/yWEw4Ni6ah
“I’m running for Congress because working families need a fighter in Washington,” Menefee said in a written statement. “Republicans are gutting Social Security, attacking healthcare and reproductive rights, and making life more expensive for everyday people.”
SEE ALSO: ‘Don’t mess with Medicaid’: Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s final words, family says
Back in 2020, Menefee made history as the youngest and first African American elected Harris Co. attorney, unseating a three-term incumbent.
“I’ve sued Greg Abbott to protect voting rights, held corporate polluters accountable, and pushed back against Trump’s attacks on working families,” he added. Now, I’m ready to take that fight to Congress.”
As part of his congressional run, Menefee claims he will maintain focus on defending democratic values including lowering the living cost, expanding access to healthcare, and protecting reproductive rights, as well as ensuring quality education for children.
“Our district represents the best of America—its diversity, resilience, and potential,” Menefee concluded. “This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about standing up for the grocery clerk working double shifts, the teacher shaping our children’s future, and the senior who shouldn’t have to choose between medicine and food. Together, we can build on this district’s legacy and create more opportunities for the people we serve.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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