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U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s (D-Houston) aspirations to become the next mayor of Texas’ largest city received a huge boost on Thursday in the form of an endorsement from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Jackson Lee, who currently represents the state’s 18th Congressional District on Capitol Hill, is part of a crowded field in this year’s Houston mayoral race.
Hidalgo, a Democrat like Jackson Lee, said on Twitter she’s “incredibly proud” to endorse the latter.
“[Sheila Jackson Lee] is a proven fighter, and I know she will continue to deliver as mayor,” the county judge tweeted. “We’ve accomplished so much for Harris County together [and] we still have lots left to do! Let's get it done!”
Hidalgo said in a statement she and Jackson Lee accomplished plenty together during the nearly past half-decade, from efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic to successes in the fight against crime.
Jackson Lee, in turn, expressed her gratitude for Hidalgo’s support.
“Thank you Judge [Lina Hidalgo] for your support,” the longtime federal legislator said in a tweet. “You’ve been a steadfast partner in infrastructure projects, through the pandemic and beyond — and as mayor, that won’t change.
“Houston works better when local, state and federal government work together,” Jackson Lee added.
The Texas Tribune reported that the 73-year-old Jackson Lee, who has served in Washington, D.C. since 1995, joined the race to be the one who succeeds the term-limited Sylvester Turner at the end of March.
She officially launched her campaign at an event at City Cathedral Church at 4900 Fournace Pl.
“Sheila Jackson Lee wants to come home to be your mayor for the city of Houston,” Jackson Lee said, per Houston-based media outlets’ reports.
According to a report from Houston NPR affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM), Hidalgo is at odds with the contest’s purported frontrunner, State Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston).
HPM reported that Whitmire didn’t offer support to Hidalgo’s reelection bid last year despite being party mates.