CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Sheila Jackson-Lee (D) | 131,857 | 76% |
| Bob Levy (R) | 38,191 | 22% |
| Colin Nankervis (LIBERT) | 2,330 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Sheila Jackson-Lee | 16,067 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Bob Levy | 5,234 | 54% |
| Elmer Zoch | 4,437 | 46% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
TEXAS 18
:
Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston's older black neighborhoods and its more progressive
residents make up the 18th, one of the poorest areas of the city. The 18th
was one of three Texas districts created after the 1990 census to be
declared racially gerrymandered by the courts. The new 18th is roughly
Y-shaped and centered on downtown Houston. Redistricting in 1996 stripped
the 18th of its suburban areas and of its black majority - African-Americans
now represent 45 percent of the population, down from 51 percent before
redistricting. Staunchly Democratic, the district includes a significant
portion of Houston's gay and lesbian population.
In contrast to the conservative 7th District immediately to the west,
the 18th often gives two-thirds of its votes to Democratic candidates in
elections at all levels. The populations around Texas Southern U. and the U.
of Houston add to the Democratic total. The 18th has a few middle-class
neighborhoods and also includes the Heights, a trendier area attracting some
young professionals.
Downtown office buildings are filled with the employees of oil and gas
companies and other white-collar executives. Many of these workers, however,
commute to their jobs from outside the district. The oil bust of the 1980s
dealt downtown a blow, but the area has slowly been rebuilding its economic
strength by adding financial services companies, and it plans a downtown
baseball stadium to be built in 2000. Still, the 18th has some of the
poorest areas in southeast Texas.
Major Industry
Energy, government, business services
Population
568,146 (1990)
Cities
Houston, 505,859 (pt.) (1990)
People
100% urban; 10% age 65+ (ranks 17 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally);
41% married couples, 20% married couples with children; 16% college educated
(ranks 14 of 30 in state; middle third nationally); 54% white collar (ranks
16 of 30 in state; middle third nationally), 28% blue collar (ranks 13 of 30
in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
40% white, 45% black, 3% Asian; 23% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$22,240 (ranks 22 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest rodeo; Houston
officials estimate that more than 2,000 corporations have headquarters in
the city's downtown.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 18
