The death of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on July 19 left the House seat representing Texas' 18th Congressional District vacant. Here's what could happen next when it comes to filling the seat, according to federal law.

What happens next?

According to House documents, when a representative dies or resigns during a term, the executive authority of the state must call a special election to choose a candidate to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
  • Lee's two-year term is up in January.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to call a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
  • State law does not specify a deadline to call a special election. However, once a special election is called, Abbott is required to schedule it within two months of the announcement.
As of July 25, Abbott's office has not yet released any statements on whether he will call a special election or not.

More details

After conceding to former state Sen. John Whitmire in a race for Houston mayor last year, Lee had filed for reelection to return to her House seat in November. Lee won the Democratic primary election for the seat in March and was slated to face off against Republican Lana Centonze in November to retain the seat.


According to the Texas Election Code:
  • The Harris County Democratic Party's executive committee will need to nominate a candidate by Aug. 26 to run in the general election.
  • If a candidate is not chosen in time, the Texas Democratic Party will need to make the decision.
  • The general election is Nov. 5.
Whoever is chosen as nominee will then face Centonze in November.

A few Houston candidates have already shared interest in bidding for the vacant seat, though no official announcements have been made. Those to have expressed interest include Texas Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston, and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

"I am taking a serious look at the 18th Congressional seat," Turner said in a statement. "Yet, as tributes continue to pour in from across the globe for my friend and long-time colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, I feel strongly that our focus in the coming days should remain on celebrating the Congresswoman’s remarkable life and legacy."

Also of note


The Office of the 18th Congressional District of Texas announced the official celebration of life for Lee. Tribute services will be held in Houston from July 29-Aug. 1.
  • Viewing and remembrance: July 30, 4-8 p.m. at God's Grace Community Church, 9944 W. Montgomery Road, Houston
  • Community farewell and appreciation service: July 31, 3-8 p.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave., Houston
  • Celebration of life service: Aug. 1, 11 a.m. at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road, Houston
Houston Mayor John Whitmire also announced during a Houston City Council meeting that Lee will lie in state at Houston City Hall's Rotunda, 901 Bagby St., on July 29 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The viewing will include a private arrival for Lee's family, followed by a ceremony with comments from Whitmire and council members.

Lee is the second person to receive the honor since Dr. Michael DeBake, a heart surgeon, who received it in 2008 at the request of his family.