HOUSTON, Texas – For the first time in nearly 30 years, there could be a new face representing the Texas 18th Congressional District.
Sheila Jackson Lee, who’s earned the nickname of “The Congresswoman,” has held the position since 1995. For 14 straight terms, she’s held that seat.
But there’s a new name looking to take the seat for the first time this millennium: Amanda Edwards
What is the Texas 18th Congressional District?
This district contains a large part of Houston, including 789,388 people. The actual area extends out of the City of Houston and into different parts of Harris County.
The elected member of the Texas 18th Congressional District represents the residents that live in the district in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C.
Who’s running in the race?
Sheila Jackson Lee and Amanda Edwards, both Democrats, are candidates in the Texas 18th Congressional District election.
The primary for the election is on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024.
Sheila Jackson Lee is the incumbent and has held the seat since 1995. For 14 consecutive terms, she’s represented the district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Challenging Lee is Amanda Edwards.
Edwards is a native Houstonian and a former At-Large City Council Member, according to her website.
“It’s time for the next generation of servant leaders who will take an innovative approach to resolving our lingering challenges, realizing our potential, and who will deliver the results our community deserves. Amanda represents the new generation of servant leaders we desperately need in Washington,” reads Edward’s website.
What do people who live in the district want?
To answer this question, we went into the district to ask what’s important to people that live here and ultimately want their voice heard in our nation’s capital.
We landed in the Third Ward, a community that’s rich in culture and history. Today’s chapter in the history book is one where people want to live in the Third Ward.
“I think that’s one thing that the Third Ward has a great history of. It was a big reason I was attracted to this area,” said Marcos Hadjicharalambous.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to live in this part of the city.
We asked several people what they would like the winner of the 18th Congressional District election to do to help the Third Ward in particular.
Ivy Brown: “People want to live here, but just to feel safe in your own communities, I think for me is important.”
Marcos Hadjicharalambous: “One important aspect is to keep the community, safe and clean.”
Johnnie Bouldin: “Safety for kids. That’s what I want.”
Safety and policing top the list of wants from elected leaders.
Other topics like affordable housing, access to transportation and community space are all important. But above all, they want one thing: safety.
“Safety. I would say safety. Mainly for the kids. Too many kids getting killed,” Bouldin said.
“I do think that there’s always room for improvement, continuous improvement,” Hadjicharalambous added.
The Primary Election is on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Visit the Decision 2024 page of Click2houston.com for complete election results and news.