Houston’s political landscape has shifted following former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s decisive win in Texas’s 18th Congressional District. With 70% of the vote, Turner will succeed the late Sheila Jackson Lee, continuing her work while forging his path in Congress.
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The political future of Houston is changing as former Mayor Sylvester Turner emerged victorious, garnering 70% of the vote to succeed the late Sheila Jackson Lee in Texas's 18th Congressional District.
Turner, a reputable figure in Houston politics, will formally assume the oath of office on January 3, thereby assuming a position that Jackson Lee previously occupied for nearly three decades.
Turner's victory represents starting a new chapter in a district renowned for its strong advocacy and profound connections to the Houston community. Jackson Lee, who had been a diligent advocate for the district since 1994, passed away in June after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Erica Carter, her daughter, sought to fulfill her mother's unexpired term.
Turner, recognized for his extensive experience as the mayor of Houston, intends to continue Jackson Lee's work in Congress while incorporating his vision. Turner expressed her admiration for Jackson Lee's commitment during their final conversation, assuring her that the district was in capable hands.
Turner recollected, "I told her she left it all on the field," acknowledging Jackson Lee's enduring influence. Turner is currently in a position to continue her work, advocating for the residents of Houston and establishing a course of action that indicates his leadership and dedication to public service.
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Early voting for the March 3, 2026 Texas primary runs Feb. 17-27. Houston-area voters will decide key federal, statewide and local races, including a high-profile U.S. Senate contest and the open Harris County judge seat.
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Federal officials temporarily shut down air traffic at El Paso International Airport after the Pentagon allowed Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss, according to two people familiar with the matter. The closure lasted only hours, but it stranded travelers and raised new questions about coordination between defense and aviation agencies.
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Houston has already recorded six 80-degree days in 2026, and forecasters expect more this week as a February heat ridge pushes temperatures 15 degrees above normal. While daily records are unlikely to fall, highs could approach longstanding marks set in the 1960s.