On Aug. 10, the Southeast Democrats Network and the Black Women of Greater Houston PAC are hosting a candidates’ forum for those contending to become the next Democratic nominee for the Congressional District 18 seat. This forum marks a pivotal moment in the process to elect a new Democratic candidate to replace the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Scheduled for 1 p.m. and aired live on Fox26 Houston, this event offers not only a platform for candidates to present their visions but also an essential opportunity for the public to engage directly with those who seek to represent them.
Moderated by DeLaun Dillard, Fox26 Houston Morning Anchor, and Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO of the Houston Defender Network, the forum provides a unique space for transparent and thorough discussions. It ensures that voters have a chance to hear from the candidates about their plans and priorities. The involvement of prominent moderators underscores the significance of this event in shaping the future of the 18th Congressional District.
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Approximately 88 elected or appointed executive members of the Harris County Democratic Party, also known as precinct chairs, will vote on Aug. 13 to determine the Democratic nominee for the congressional seat. This selection process highlights a key aspect of our democratic system—local representatives have a significant role in determining their district’s future leadership. These precinct chairs, representing various segments of the district, will listen to and evaluate the potential candidates before making their decision.
The field of candidates is diverse and includes notable Houston figures such as former Mayor Sylvester Turner, former city councilmembers Amanda Edwards and Dwight Boykins, former State Representative Jarvis Johnson, City Council At-Large Member Letitia Plummer, current state representatives Jolanda Jones and Christina Morales, Pastor James Dixon, and grassroots activist Corisha Rogers.
Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and visions for the district, ensuring a robust discussion on the direction the district should take moving forward.
The Southeast Democrats Network and the Black Women of Greater Houston PAC have done a commendable job organizing this forum. Their efforts ensure that the selection process is inclusive and representative of the district’s diverse community.
The public is encouraged to attend the forum, listen to the candidates, and express their preferences to their precinct chairs. This engagement is crucial, as it ensures that the voices of the district’s residents are heard and considered in the selection process.
Given the predominantly Democratic nature of the 18th Congressional District, the candidate selected by the precinct chairs on Aug. 16 is likely to become the next congressional representative. This underscores the weight of the decision being made by the precinct chairs and the importance of their role in this process.
While some may express concern that a relatively small group of individuals—88 precinct chairs—will decide the district’s next congressional representative, it is crucial to recognize that these chairs are elected representatives of their communities. Their involvement ensures that the decision is made by those who are deeply familiar with the district’s needs and priorities.
Finally, the candidates forum on Aug. 10 is a pivotal event in the process to elect a new Democratic candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. It is a testament to the strength of local democracy, allowing for a thorough and representative selection process that takes into account the voices and preferences of the district’s residents.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we support and trust in this democratic process, ensuring that the selected candidate truly represents the values and aspirations of the 18th District.
Melanie Miles Bazil, President of Southeast Democrats Network. Precinct Chair #0140
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