Former Houston mayor is Democratic nominee to succeed late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

HOUSTON (AP) — Former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner was chosen Tuesday as the Democratic candidate to succeed the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Leedied last month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Turner, 69, will appear on the November ballot after garnering the largest endorsement from local Democratic precinct chairs at a party meeting in Houston. Jackson Lee had has already won the Democratic nomination for what would have been a 16th term before his death on July 19, leaving party leaders to choose his replacement.

Turner left the mayor’s post in January after eight years in office, the maximum allowed by term limits. He was previously a longtime lawmaker.

Houston’s district is heavily Democratic. Turner will face Republican rival Lana Centonze.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Bill Clinton were among those who paid tribute to Jackson Lee. at his funeral this monthShe was 74 years old.