U.S. Representative
Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee is currently serving her thirteenth term as the representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Jackson Lee authored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which became law in 2022.
Jackson Lee holds a strong commitment to upholding constitutional rights and shaping legislation, according to her campaign website.
Jackson Lee received her undergraduate degree from Yale University, graduating from the Honors Program in Political Science. She went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Link’s Inc. Jackson Lee is a wife, mother of two and grandmother of twin grandchildren.
Direct from readers
The following questions were submitted directly from Houston Landing readers.
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In their own words:
Why should voters consider you for mayor?
Transportation
Ending traffic deaths
As traffic congestion continues to choke our streets and highways, vehicular violence perpetrated by aggressive drivers has made it a risky proposition for Houstonians to travel along our city streets and sidewalks by means that don't involve a car. As mayor, what would be your first step to address this crisis and move Houston towards its "Vision Zero" goal of ending traffic deaths and serious injury by 2030?
Leadership
Experience
Tell us what experience you have in running an organization as large as the city of Houston, with a multi-billion dollar annual budget and thousands of employees.
Transit
Public transit
What will you do to improve public transit in the city of Houston?
Housing
Affordable housing needs
What specific plans do you have in mind to address the affordable housing crisis in our city, and how do you intend to ensure that the housing needs of all residents, including low-income families and vulnerable populations, are adequately met?
Emergency Management
Improving response
How do you plan to strengthen and grow the city's emergency management and preparedness capabilities?
Written by reporters
The following questions were written by Houston Landing staff members based on responses to our community survey about this year's election.
Click the questions to see candidates' answers.
Compare the Candidates
Use Houston Landing’s interactive tool to compare each candidate’s survey answers.
Learn morePublic Safety
Crime
The Houston Police Department was allocated more than $1 billion for the coming fiscal year, nearly 16 percent of the city's budget. How will you address the rising concerns about crime and public safety in a fiscally responsible way?
City Budget
Spending needs
Reserve funds that have been built into the city's budget most will likely cover any revenue shortfalls during your first year in office, but that is not a long-term solution to the city's financial problems. How will you build annual budgets that both meet Houstonians' needs and also place the city on sound economic footing?
Flooding & Drainage
Storm readiness
Flooding from Hurricane Harvey devastated the city, with many residents — especially those on the city's north and east sides — still reeling from its effects. What are your plans to address the city's storm and flood readiness in a way that protects and ensures the safety of all Houstonians?
Houston's Autonomy
Working with Austin
As mayor, how will you work with a state legislature that frequently has been at odds with cities — Houston in particular — when it comes to local control, in a way that will benefit Houstonians?
Quality of Life
Responding to needs
From food insecurity to rising housing prices and a strained road infrastructure, many Houstonians feel like the city is not working in their best interest. How do you plan on improving the quality of life for all of Houston's residents?
City Services
Improving operations
Trash pickup delays, incorrect and overpriced water bills and drainage issues have become increasingly common for many Houstonians. How will you ensure that city service departments operate at their highest level for all residents?
Business Development
Ensuring economic growth
Houston's economy is centered in large part around the energy industry, specifically oil and gas. Amid the increasing calls across the globe for a transition to cleaner energy sources, how will you ensure that Houston continues to be an economic leader in our region and across the nation?
Trash Collection
Adopting a trash fee
Unlike other major cities, Houston does not charge property owners for trash collection services. Introducing a trash fee, however, has become an increasingly common topic of conversation at City Hall in recent years. Do you favor implementing a trash/recycling collection fee? Why or why not?
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Houston Landing is committed to covering all aspects of this year’s election. Read more about the candidates and important issues driving this year’s mayoral race.
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