Houston, TX. — Isaiah Martin, candidate for Texas' 18th Congressional District, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement:

"When I first set out to run for Congress, I was very clear that this decision was not about me. As a nation, we must be laser-focused on flipping the House and electing more good Democrats — not primarying Democrats who deliver. This singular objective is bigger than any one person, any seat, or any ambition. Our party must have unity; with so many federal dollars available to bring back to our district, we need to send Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee back to Washington to represent Houston and get things done. Having served for 28 years, she has a lot of seniority, meaning it will be a lot easier for her to bring back federal funding than any freshman member.

Throughout this campaign, we've laid forth an agenda to stand up to the assault on voting rights, make it easier to see a doctor in the neighborhood, train more workers for the jobs of tomorrow; Congresswoman Jackson Lee has already delivered on this and is well-positioned to do even more next Congress. As a result, I'll be suspending my campaign for Congress and am proud to endorse Congresswoman Jackson Lee." said Martin.

"I am very grateful for this endorsement. But I am even more grateful to have Isaiah Martin's deep commitment, as my commitment, to preserving democracy and ensuring that we have a Congress that will fight for all of America. His respective affection for the 18th Congressional District and the great work he has done in the district is evident; we will continue to work well together for the betterment of our community and the entire nation." said Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

Martin continued, "I never could have imagined as a young child, gazing up at the pristine dome of our nation's capital, that I'd ever grow up to run for a seat in one of its chambers. That one day, the grandson of two carpenters without a high school education could dare to run for the seat once held by Barbara Jordan. From day one, we understood that people deserve 'more than a recital of problems'; we made this campaign not just about what we're against but what we're for.

To the over 15,000 thousand people who chipped in what they could to our campaign, thank you. You truly were the engine behind our vision; I couldn't be more grateful for your support and thankful for the many conversations we've had.

I don't know what's next, but I do know this for sure: I'm not going anywhere. We have to get President Joe Biden re-elected as well as elect a Congress that will work with him. I'm locked in and will be relentless in the effort to make this happen. Let's get to work."

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