Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will face newcomer Lana Centonze for the District 18 position in Congress this November.
In case you missed it
Longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee died on July 19. The Houston native represented Texas' 18th Congressional District for nearly 30 years serving portions of Houston, Spring and Humble during her tenure.
Her abrupt absence from Congress left the District 18 seat open for approximately six months for the remainder of her term. Several candidates put in a bid to run as her successor for the temporary period, including Turner, Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer, attorney Amanda Edwards and former running mate Robert Slater.
Turner was chosen to replace Lee following an Aug. 13 vote by the Harris County Democratic Party precinct chair covering District 18.
About the candidates
Turner served Houston as mayor from 2015 to 2024. During his two terms, he helped transform the George R. Brown Convention Center, completed the North Canal flood diversion project, started construction on a new solid waste station and assisted in Hurricane Harvey recovery, according to Turner's state of the city in 2023.
Centonze, won the Republican primary in March against one other candidate and was anticipated to run against the late Sheila Jackson Lee in the November race. Centonze is a federal officer and is campaigning for upgraded infrastructure, a stop to human trafficking, limited terms for government officials and to secure the border.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about the two candidates running for Texas' 18th Congressional District.
Keep in mind
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
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