Commissioner Ellis’s Statement on Erica Lee Carter Succeeding her Mother to Represent 18th Congressional District

Congresswoman-elect Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and an employee of the Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, will be sworn in today to succeed her mother until January.

On Nov. 5, Carter won a special election to fill the remainder of her mother’s term to lead the 18^thCongressional District. On the same day, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was elected to serve the district as Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s permanent replacement.

Carter’s oath-of-office ceremony will be today in Washington, D.C.  Live streaming is available on C-SPAN at 5:30 p.m. Central Time.

Below is Commissioner Ellis’s statement on Carter taking the oath of office.

"Today, as Erica Lee Carter steps into her mother’s role, we’re witnessing more than a transition; we’re witnessing the endurance of a powerful legacy. The late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a warrior for justice—a voice that never faltered, a force that shaped our community in ways that will resonate for years to come. Now, her daughter steps forward, not just to honor her mother’s work, but to bring her own strength and compassion to the role.

I’ve had the privilege of watching Erica grow up and seeing her evolve into an incredible community leader. The people of Congressional District 18 are in good hands, and I have complete confidence that Erica will carry herself with the same courage her mother showed. Sheila would be so proud, and so are we."