Texas Governor Calls Special Election to Fill Late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s Vacant Seat

The special election has been scheduled for Nov. 5, the same day as the general election.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) speaks at a press conference in Washington on July 18, 2022. Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Take Back the Court Action Fund

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that a special election will be held to fill a congressional seat that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s (D-Texas) recent death left vacant.

Abbott issued a proclamation on Aug. 2, ordering a special election on Nov. 5 for the purpose of electing a U.S. Representative for Congressional District 18 to serve out Jackson Lee’s unexpired term.