In a significant development for Texas' 18th Congressional District, veteran congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee passed away at the age of 74, leaving the district in need of a new representative. With uncertainty surrounding the possibility and timing of a special election to fill Jackson Lee's seat for the remainder of the current term, attention now turns to Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Democratic Party for guidance.

According to state law, the governor has the authority to call a special election to fill the congressional seat for the remainder of the year. However, there is no specified deadline for the governor to make this decision. If a special election is called, it must take place within two months of the announcement.

Following the passing of U.S. Rep. Ron Wright in 2021, a special election was promptly organized within a month. Texas Democrats are now urging Governor Abbott to follow the state's history of holding special elections and quickly fill the unexpired term left by Jackson Lee.

The Democratic Party faces the task of selecting a new candidate to run against Lana Centonze, the Republican candidate, in the upcoming general election scheduled for November. Texas law outlines the procedures for Democrats to nominate a replacement candidate, with a meeting of the Harris County Democratic Party's executive committee. This committee comprises elected officials representing districts within the county, known as precinct chairs.

In order to meet the nomination deadline, the Harris County Democratic Party's executive committee must convene a meeting at least 10 days prior to August 26th. During this meeting, potential candidates will have the opportunity to present their positions and priorities to the precinct chairs, who will ultimately decide on the new nominee. Despite being a decision made by the precinct chairs, the process is deemed a "very democratic process" due to the meetings being public and the precinct chairs representing the smallest unit of representative government.

Interestingly, the committee has the power to select a candidate even if they do not reside in the district. However, if the committee fails to make a decision within the designated timeframe, the Texas Democratic Party will step in and have an additional two days to make a selection. Only if this second deadline is not met will Jackson Lee remain on the ballot. Should she be elected in the general election, a new special election would subsequently be called to fill the vacant seat.

As the district mourns the loss of Sheila Jackson Lee, the political landscape in Texas' 18th Congressional District is set to undergo a significant transformation. All eyes now turn to Governor Abbott and the Harris County Democratic Party as they navigate the process of selecting a candidate to represent the district in Washington.