By: Travis McGee
How did we get here should be the biggest question? We got here through traditional old fashion politics; however, the government should fear “We the People” and not “We the People” fear the government whether that is local, state, or national government.
Redistricting is all about Restricting the power, voice, resources, funding, vote, and representation of the historical CD-18 that has been around since 1972, however 53 years later it’s an attempt to flat out take and ignore the very reason it was created in the first place.
Congressional District 18 was actually created for the lack of representation of people of color, now in 2025 they are trying to dismantle it for that very reason in addition to the growth as well as diversity. Those 2 factors scare the hell out of the President of the United States so when the seat became vacant it was a Jim Crow type opportunity that they refused to pass up.
Let’s not forget CD 18, CD9, and CD 29 all overwhelmingly voted against Donald Trump, so he would rather weaken some of the Re- publican leadership locally to strengthening it on the national level by stealing seats through a nontransparent, premature, unconstitutional redistricting process.
CD 18 has had 6 congress members since 1972 and they are Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leeland, Craig Washington, Shelia Jackson Lee, Erica Lee Carter and Slyvester Turner. First, the seat became very vulnerable when longtime Congress- woman Shelia Jackson Lee died of cancer Secondly, Congress- woman Erica Lee Carter sought to finish her mother’s term however she decided not to seek a full 2-year term, instead endorsed longtime state rep, later Houston mayor, longtime friend, and colleague of the late Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee.
Third, in a very tight SELECTION process the Democratic officers chose Sylvester Turner as their nominee for CD 18 for a full 2-year term, however Congressman Sylvester Turner was sworn in January 5,2025 he too died of cancer March 5,2025 and the seat has been vacant ever since.
In closing we have to have a proactive grooming process for the Election process vs the Selection process. We currently have over 20 candidates seeking to fill the vacancy for Congressional District 18.
You have over 20 different opportunities to research and choose your new Congress man or woman. Note: One of the worst natural disasters in Texas as well as America’s history took place July 4, 2025 in Kerrville, Tx with over 100 lives lost and counting with hundreds of million in property lost and damages, they indeed made this Special Session Special by not putting We the People Before Politics.
If we continue to always take the high road the Maps they have in mind will lead us to nowhere.
