Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is attempting a rebound after her defeat in the Houston mayoral race.  The longtime Democratic congresswoman announced Monday (Dec. 11) that she is running for reelection to the House seat she has held since 1995.

“I thought about the many more gifts I have to give to my constituents of the 18th Congressional District. Those gifts involve more hard work and my ability to get the job done! Together, let's build on the progress we've achieved and work towards an even brighter future for all,” Jackson Lee wrote in a social media post announcing her decision.

Harris County Democratic Party chair Mike Doyle told The Texas Tribune that Jackson Lee filed reelection documents before the 6 p.m. deadline.

Jackson Lee faces a primary challenge from former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, who says the district needs new representation in Congress.

“It’s Time for Change. Since I announced my candidacy to serve the 18th Congressional District, I have been to every corner of the district. One thing remains clear: our community is ready for change,” Edwards stated in a social media post on Monday. 

“We need to bring new ideas to the table to solve the lingering challenges we face and to help the full community realize its full potential.” 

Edwards dropped out of the Houston mayoral race after Jackson Lee entered the competition. Edwards then endorsed Jackson Lee’s mayoral bid and decided to run for Congress, vowing to remain in the congressional race even if she would have run against Jackson Lee.

However, Isaiah Martin suspended his congressional campaign for Jackson Lee’s seat after the congresswoman announced her reelection bid. In stepping aside, Martin, a former Jackson Lee intern, endorsed her. 

“Our focus must be on flipping the House and electing more good Democrats — not primarying great members,” Martin wrote in a social media post.

RELATED: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Loses Houston Mayoral Race, Now Faced With Decision on Her Political Future

Texas State Sen. John Whitmire defeated the veteran congresswoman 65 percent to 35 percent in a runoff election on Saturday (Dec. 9). 

In the first round of mayoral voting on Nov. 7, Jackson Lee finished second behind Whitmire, a fellow Democrat, in a field of 17 candidates. She won 36 percent of the vote to Whitmire’s 43 percent. No candidate passed the 50 percent threshold, triggering the runoff election race.

If she had won, Jackson Lee would have become the first Black woman to serve as Houston's mayor.