HOUSTON — Incumbent U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, fended off her Democratic challenger, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, in a highly competitive primary race.

What You Need To Know

  • Incumbent U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, fended off her Democratic challenger, former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, in a highly competitive primary race

  • The race wasn’t called by the AP until after midnight. Previously, Jackson Lee defeated her primary challengers by landslide margins over the course of her almost 30-year tenure in the U.S. Capitol

  • Jackson Lee did not announce she was seeking reelection until December, two days after she lost her bid to be Houston’s mayor

  • Her district, Texas’ 18th Congressional District, is heavily Democratic and covers parts of Central and North Houston

With over 95% of the votes counted, Jackson Lee had 60% of the votes.

The race wasn’t called by The Associated Press until after midnight. Previously, Jackson Lee defeated her primary challengers by landslide margins over the course of her almost 30-year tenure in the U.S. Capitol. 

Jackson Lee was endorsed by a number of high-profile Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. 

"Sheila Jackson Lee delivers - and we are proud to endorse her for reelection. Sheila was an essential partner in passing the Violence Against Women Act reauthorizations and improving climate resiliency and hurricane preparedness, especially for states like Texas," Biden and Harris' endorsement statement said. "We've witnessed her devotion to her constituents, inspiring grit, and invaluable experience deliver an unmatched record of success. She has been a strong ally in delivering for hardworking American families - in Houston and across this country. There's nobody better to meet this moment for the communities of Texas's 18th District."

Jackson Lee did not announce she was seeking reelection until December, two days after she lost her bid to be Houston’s mayor. State Sen. John Whitmire, who outspent her, defeated Jackson Lee in a mayoral runoff election. The defeat came after the congresswoman faced backlash over an unverified audio recording where she purportedly berated staff members with expletives. 

Her district, Texas’ 18th Congressional District, is heavily Democratic and covers parts of Central and North Houston. 

The district’s Republican primary race had yet to be called as of Wednesday morning, but Lana Centonze had 53.8% of the votes ahead of Aaron Hermes.