With the special election called by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to elect an individual to finish the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s term which ends Jan. 3, 2025, just months away, Jackson Lee’s daughter, Erica Shelwyn Lee Carter, is now contemplating stepping into the political arena herself.
Encouraged by community leaders and Democratic supporters, Lee Carter is considering a run in the special election for Texas’ historic 18th Congressional District, a seat that has had a legendary run of representatives: Barbara Jordan, George “Mickey” Leland, Craig Washington and Jackson Lee.
This election, scheduled for Nov. 5, would fill the seat left vacant after her mother’s passing on July 19, completing the remainder of the 118th Congress term for roughly two months (from the November election to Jan. 3, 2025).
On that same day, the individual who will fill that 18th Congressional District seat moving forward – from Jan. 3, 2025 until the term’s end – will also be elected. As of press time, Lee Carter has not expressed interest in contemplating a run for that “permanent” seat, just the temporary one.
Deeply inspired by her mother’s legacy of service, Lee Carter has dedicated her own career to advocating for a better future for all children. Her extensive background includes roles across federal, state, and local governments, as well as in non-profit organizations. Notably, she served as a Trustee for the Harris County Department of Education School Board from 2013 to 2019, elected by her community.
Since 2020, Lee Carter has been part of Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Policy Division in Harris County Precinct One. A proud product of Houston’s public schools, she earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and went on to obtain a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University.
Lee Carter is expected to make her final decision on whether to run next week.
