The 18th congressional district includes most of the inner-city of Houston, including downtown since its inception in 1972. The 18th congressional district has voted for most of the Democratic candidates since 1972. Initially, the 18th congressional district was first represented by the dynamic effervescent Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from the south. Congresswoman Jordan was known for her powerful elegant oratorical skills. The flamboyant Mickey Leland followed Barbara Jordan serving as congressman from 1978-1988. Craig Washington represented the 18th congressional district from 1989-1995. Congresswoman Jackson-Lee represented the district from 1995 until her death in 2024. Congress- woman Lee’s daughter, Erica represented the district when the seat became vacant. Congressman Sylvester Turner represented the district until his death on March 5th, 2025. No doubt about it, in the past the 18th congressional district has had first-class representation since its creation.
The 18th congressional district is at a political leadership crossroads, which way is the question of questions: community unity or political con- fusion? Governor Gregg Abbott faces a tight impending political deadline for a special election to be held on May 3rd, 2025. Christian Menefee became the first candidate to file for the 18th congressional district. Shelia’s daughter, Erica and former councilman Dwight Boykins have already endorsed Christian Menefee. Amanda Edwards has filed with seven other candidates which include Isaiah Martin, James Joseph, Robert Slater, potential candidates Jolanda Jones, Letitia Plummer, Zoe Cadore and Jarvis Johnson.
The congressional field is indeed crowded. President Donald J. Trump has escalated America’s “Cold Civil War”, and America does not need another “Hot Civil War”. Therefore, the 18th congressional district needs sophisticated political leader- ship that can speak the power of truth to MAGA insanity without embracing insanity. As Black people, we need to socio-spiritually understand the historic nature of our existence and struggle for justice in American society. The White-only-signs were physically taken down in 1964 the Civil Rights Act and 1965 the Voting Rights Act, but the spiritual-mental sign in the minds of many Whites remained, White Superiority. Lest we forget, racism is alive and well, because racism drives individuals insane. America’s original sin is greed based upon race-based chattel slavery, and the insanity of the MAGA-Cult. America ended racial segregation but has never achieved Godly racial integration. Good intentions are not good enough. Righteous actions are required for America to live out the true meaning of the Preamble and the U. S. Constitution.
