TEXAS (KXXV) — State Rep. Jolanda Jones , D-Houston, on Monday jumped into the race for the congressional seat left open by the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former Houston mayor.

“The simple fact is no one will fight harder to stop Republicans from taking away our social security, our public schools, our health care, our constitutional rights and more,” Jones said in a statement announcing her campaign.

Jones, an attorney and former Houston City Council member from 2008 to 2012, joins a slate of candidates running in the special election, including Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and fellow former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards .

“I am the only candidate in this race who has fought for our families in the Legislature, in the courtroom, on city coun

See Full Page