HOUSTON – Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was picked Tuesday as the Democrats’ nominee to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died last month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Turner, 69, will appear on the November ballot after securing the most support from local Democratic precinct chairs during a party meeting in Houston. Jackson Lee had already won the Democratic nomination for what would have been a 16th term before her death on July 19, leaving party officials to select her replacement.
Turner left the mayor’s office in January after serving eight years, the most allowed by term limits. He was previously a longtime state lawmaker.
The House district in Houston is solidly Democratic. Turner will face Republican challenger Lana Centonze.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Bill Clinton were among those who paid tribute to Jackson Lee at her funeral this month. She was 74.
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Welcome to the exciting world of politics! Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been selected as the Democrats’ nominee to fill the shoes of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Turner, a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, will be facing off against Republican challenger Lana Centonze in the upcoming November elections.
With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Bill Clinton paying their respects at Jackson Lee’s recent funeral, the political landscape is buzzing with anticipation. Turner’s tenure as mayor and his background as a state lawmaker make him a formidable candidate to represent the solidly Democratic House district in Houston.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling political race as Sylvester Turner gears up for the November showdown!