ABC 13 reports that Rep. Lee made the announcement of her run for Mayor of Houston during an appearance at City Cathedral Church on Sunday; her remarks were later shared online “Sheila Jackson Lee wants to come home to be your mayor for the city of Houston,” Jackson Lee said during her church appearance, referencing her early political career, in which she served as a municipal judge and then a city councilor for Houston. In a statement to ABC 13, Jackson Lee’s camp stated that “for some time, there has been much positive feedback in Houston about the prospects of Congresswoman Jackson Lee running for Mayor of Houston,” leading her to decide to run for the office while currently holding onto her seat in Congress.

Since moving to Houston, Jackson Lee has served the city in a variety of roles. She has represented the city and the rest of Texas’ 19th Congressional District since 1995. In her nearly 30 years in Congress, Jackson Lee has made a name for herself in a variety of ways. In 2000 and 2004, she was one of a handful of representatives to object to the election of President George W. Bush. For years, Jackson Lee has lead efforts in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 40, the bill to explore federal reparations for slavery. Jackson Lee was one of the members of Congress to lead the effort to have Juneteenth declared a national holiday. She has fought against white supremacy, and even presided over the closing of the session that .certified President Joe Biden’s electoral win after that certification was disrupted by the January 6, 2021 insurrection.

Jackson Lee enters a crowded field to replace Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is retiring from the position due to term limits. Turner has been one of the most high-profile Black mayors in the country, connecting with celebrities such as Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion and 50 Cent and leading the city at a time when Black politicians were in charge of many of the largest cities in the country. Jackson Lee will likely benefit from Houston voters who want to see the city remain under strong Black leadership, while her progressive stances may create challenges for winning over less liberal constituents. Jackson Lee faces a tough race in the heavily Democratic city. At least six other candidates are currently running for the position of Mayor of Houston, including State Senator John Whitmire.

Houston’s mayoral election will be held on Nov. 7.