Erica Lee Carter has officially been sworn in to fill the vacant seat left by her late mother, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Carter’s election came after a special election called by Texas’ Republican Governor Greg Abbott following Jackson Lee’s passing due to pancreatic cancer.
Carrying on a Family Legacy of Service
In her first speech to Congress, Carter expressed her deep honor and humility to be taking over her mother’s seat. “I am honored to finish for you and in the memory of my mother, the late great Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” she said.
Carter pledged to continue her mother’s work, stating, “I want to finish for my mom!” After being sworn in, she shared a touching comparison photo of her first speech in the same spot where Jackson Lee gave her inaugural address nearly 30 years ago.
Collaboration and Commitment to the American People
Carter expressed her enthusiasm to work with House leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on the crucial issues facing the nation. “I look forward to collaborating with Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and all of my Congressional colleagues on the important issues facing the United States House of Representatives on behalf of the American people,” she said.
Honoring a Trailblazer’s Legacy
Local Texas leaders, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, welcomed Carter and acknowledged the pride her late mother would feel. Crockett extended a “warm welcome” to Carter, saying she knows the former Congresswoman “is looking down with pride.”
As Erica Lee Carter takes on this new role, she is poised to continue the legacy of her mother, Sheila Jackson Lee, who served the 18th Congressional District of Texas for nearly 30 years.
With her pledge to honor her mother’s work and serve the people of Texas with pride, Carter’s swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter in her family’s long history of public service.
