Texas Gov. sets special election to replace Sheila Jackson Lee to coincide with general election

Texas's GOP Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced that the special election to replace the late Sheila Jackson Lee will take place on Nov. 5, the same day as the general election.

Jackson Lee, a Democrat, died last month at the age of 74, shortly after she announced that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Prior to her death, she served Texas's 18th Congressional district for nearly three decades, and has been touted as a strong advocate for racial justice and human rights.

Abbott said candidates that are hoping to replace Jackson Lee will need to file their paperwork with Texas's secretary of state by Aug. 22. Early voting will take place from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1, and will be held in person.

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, and Houston Council member Letitia Plummer, all Democrats, have been floated as potential candidates in the special election, according to the Texas Tribune.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.