Erica Lee Carter

Erica Lee Carter is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 18th congressional district from 2024 until early 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded her mother, Sheila Jackson Lee, following her passing. Before her tenure in Congress, Carter held various roles in education and public service, including a position on the Board of Trustees of the Harris County Department of Education. Her political career has been shaped by her family's legacy in public service, as well as her own experiences in education and policy.

Early life and career

Erica Shelwyn Lee was born on February 2, 1980, in Harris County, Texas. She is the daughter of Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent lawyer and politician, and Elwyn Lee, a law professor. Erica has a brother named Jason Cornelius Bennett Lee. She pursued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with honors, and later earned a Master of Public Policy from Duke University.

Carter's professional background includes significant experience in education and public health. She worked as a teacher within the Houston Independent School District, where she contributed to the educational development of students. Additionally, she served as a regional quality coordinator for a nonprofit public health organization, where she was involved in initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in the community.

Carter's early political involvement began with her election to the Board of Trustees of the Harris County Department of Education in 2011. Her decision to run for this position was influenced by her family's long-standing commitment to public service. During her campaign, she faced challenges, including a runoff election against Jarvis Johnson, a former member of the Houston City Council. The election was marred by a county error that prevented thousands of voters from casting their ballots. Despite this setback, Carter won the Democratic primary runoff and subsequently defeated her opponent, Juliette Bartlett-Pack, in the general election, securing her position as a trustee.

In 2016, Carter sought to expand her political career by running for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, specifically for the 146th district. This position became available when Borris Miles was selected to fill a vacancy in the Texas Senate. However, Carter was ultimately defeated by Shawn Thierry, who was chosen by precinct chairs to replace Miles. Following this electoral setback, she took on the role of policy director for Rodney Ellis, further solidifying her experience in legislative matters.

House tenure

Carter's congressional career began in 2024, following the death of her mother, Sheila Jackson Lee, who had represented Texas's 18th congressional district. In the wake of her mother's passing, a special election was announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to fill the vacant seat. Initially, Sylvester Turner, the former Mayor of Houston, was chosen as the Democratic nominee for the special election, and both Carter and her brother publicly endorsed him. However, after receiving encouragement from community leaders and constituents, Carter decided to enter the race herself.

She confirmed her candidacy shortly after endorsing Turner, who subsequently withdrew from the special election and endorsed Carter. On November 5, 2024, she won the special election and was sworn in as a U.S. Representative on November 12, 2024. During her brief tenure, she served on the United States House Committee on the Judiciary, where she participated in discussions and decisions related to legal and judicial matters.

Carter's time in Congress was marked by her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents in Texas's 18th district. Although her term was relatively short, she aimed to continue her family's legacy of public service and advocacy for the community.

Legislative focus and committees

During her time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Carter was a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the administration of justice within federal courts, administrative agencies, and law enforcement entities. As a member of this committee, Carter was involved in discussions regarding a wide range of legal issues, including civil rights, immigration, and criminal justice reform.

Carter's legislative focus was likely influenced by her background in education and public health, as well as her experiences in local government. While specific details regarding her legislative initiatives and voting record during her time in office are not provided, her role on the Judiciary Committee suggests an engagement with issues that intersect with her professional and personal interests.

Following her departure from Congress on January 3, 2025, Carter's political future remained a topic of interest. After the unexpected death of her successor, Sylvester Turner, in March 2025, she was considered a potential candidate for the special election to fill his seat. However, she chose not to pursue this opportunity and instead endorsed Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, taking on the role of campaign manager for his election efforts.

In July 2025, Carter announced her intention to run for the position of county judge in Harris County, contingent upon the current judge, Lina Hidalgo, deciding not to seek re-election. However, after Hidalgo announced her retirement in September 2025, Carter ultimately decided against running for the position.

Carter's personal life includes her marriage to Roy Lee Carter Jr. in November 2012, with whom she has two children, twins named Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III. Her family background and personal experiences continue to shape her perspective and approach to public service, reflecting a commitment to the community she represents.