Texas’ 18th Congressional District wants your consideration. The district, which incorporates downtown, main universities, a global airport, a lot of inner-city Houston and components of its northern suburbs, wants illustration in Congress now. The district’s practically 800,000 residents at present stand with out illustration within the U.S. Home.
This emptiness follows the premature passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner on March 5, 2025, merely weeks after he succeeded the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who additionally handed away in July 2024. If a particular election shouldn’t be known as in any respect, the district may face practically two extra years with out illustration along with what the district skilled in 2024 in live performance with the lack of Congresswoman Jackson Lee.
The absence of a congressional member has triggered the district to go with out its federal voice and vote, policymaking skill, and federal funding advocate for this district, which underscores the vital want for a particular election. Texas Governor Greg Abbott should place individuals over politics and guarantee all neighborhood members are represented on the federal degree and name a particular election right now.
I used to be born and raised on this district and nonetheless stay there right now. The 18th Congressional District’s wealthy historical past touts Emancipation Park within the Third Ward, the place the celebration of Juneteenth was born. This district is dwelling to the historic Freedman’s City and is a beacon of the longer term with the Innovation District. This district has been led by Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvester Turner. It’s a neighborhood I really like with all my coronary heart. It’s the place the place my dad and mom met at Texas Southern College. It’s the place the place my uncle’s shoe store was. It’s the place the place I used to be educated, performed sports activities, and attended church. It’s rooted within me.
The timing of this congressional emptiness couldn’t be extra important, given the present composition of the Home. Republicans maintain a slender majority with 218 seats to the Democrats’ 213, with 4 seats presently vacant. Each seat holds substantial weight in legislative choices, and filling the emptiness in Texas’ 18th District is crucial to handle urgent points similar to safeguarding Social Safety and Medicaid.
There’s an excessive amount of at stake for this district and our nation. The battle for the center and soul of TX-18 is private for me. Our fundamental rights to healthcare, schooling and financial alternative—are below assault. Our financial future is in danger. Our historical past is being erased.
As hurricane season approaches, the district faces heightened issues concerning catastrophe preparedness and federal response. As a Metropolis Council Member, I used to be on the bottom organizing following Hurricane Harvey in 2017 (the twond worst catastrophe in U.S. historical past at the moment), offering ongoing aid efforts for Houston’s most susceptible. We went door-to-door, canvassing tons of of households in areas with excessive concentrations of low-income seniors. I noticed first-hand how vital it’s for native, state and federal businesses to work collectively to make sure susceptible populations don’t grow to be additional victimized by bureaucratic purple tape. We can’t be unprepared for our subsequent storm occasion by not having our full Congressional delegation at work. We should fill this seat.
Past votes in Congress, the absence of a consultant additionally means TX-18 is lacking vital federal advocacy for funding that helps the spine of our native economic system. Our district is dwelling to main nationwide belongings, together with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – which is without doubt one of the nation’s busiest worldwide airports, requiring sturdy federal partnerships for infrastructure, safety, and enlargement. Moreover, downtown Houston and main establishments of upper schooling want sturdy federal assist to thrive. With no voting member in Congress, our district dangers dropping out on essential investments that drive job creation, schooling and financial progress.
This second presents a possibility to embrace recent management that embodies the values and aspirations of our neighborhood. As a candidate for the 18th Congressional District, I’m dedicated to bringing dynamic and responsive illustration to Congress, making certain that the voices of our constituents are heard and heeded. On the similar time, I’ll convey a recent perspective, progressive options and a brand new vitality for the subsequent leg of our journey. Our district has been formed by legendary leaders, just like the indomitable Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who fought for what’s proper, who impressed change and who by no means backed down from a problem. I search to proceed this legacy.
Filling this emptiness is not only vital for Texas; it is going to influence the nation. We’d like everybody throughout the nation to impress and demand Texas Governor Abbott fulfill his responsibility in calling a particular election in order that the constituents throughout the district might have their proper to illustration restored.
Amanda Okay. Edwards is a local Houstonian, former At-Giant Metropolis Council Member, legal professional and founding father of a neighborhood non-profit that empowers numerous teams from seniors to ladies. She is operating for Congress in Texas’ 18th district.
Notice: This text displays the opinions and views of the creator.