Cornbreadd Is Running for Congress

The rapper is challenging veteran Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
By Joyce Jones
Posted: 02/27/2012 09:00 AM EST
Filed Under unemployment, debt crisis, Congressional Black Caucus, Economy

(Photo: Maurice Duhon For Congress)

Would you vote for a dude who goes by the name Cornbreadd to represent your interests in Congress? Maurice Duhon Jr., who famously earned his hip hop props under that name, is hoping that Houston voters will at least consider the idea. The rapper announced last week his plans to run for Congress as an independent candidate in a challenge to veteran congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has represented Houston since 1995. In a message on his campaign website, Duhon said that he’s running for office because he believes the city “can do better.”


His first test will come Wednesday at a unique first fundraiser titled “WHO and WHAT is an Uncle Tom? A Retrospective Conversation,” that Duhon is billing as an opportunity for voters to get to know him and discuss the “iconic” novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, according to a Houston Press report.


When Duhon started rapping in junior high school to attract girls, the Houston Press reports, his freestyle and skills playing the dozens far outmatched his classmates, which could come in handy in debates with the verbose Jackson Lee. And he’s no dummy. After two years at “the smart school,” AKA Houston’s High School for the Health Professions, Duhon transferred to “the art school,” the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where Beyoncé also was a student.


Those who know him well won’t be surprised by his bid because he’s always been a huge advocate his hometown, as evidenced during his run on MTV’s reality show 50 Cent: The Money and the Power in 2009. But it won’t be easy. A Republican and a third-party challenger opposed Jackson Lee in 2010, but she handily won re-election with 70 percent of the vote.


BET Politics - Your source for the latest news, photos and videos illuminating key issues and personalities in African-American political life, plus commentary from some of our liveliest voices.

Videos You May Like

Comments

Trends
Will Smith •Lil Wayne •2 Chainz •Macklemore •Janelle Monae •Prince •Drake •Celebrity Videos •T-Pain •Celebrity News •Kanye West •Beyoncé •nicki minaj •Miguel •Kerry Washington •Kevin Hart •Out and About •Global News •Islam •terrorism •The Beastie Boys •Nas •Russell Simmons •The Notorious B.I.G. •Jay-Z •Wu Tang Clan •LL Cool J •Music News •Lady Gaga •Run DMC •

African-Americans on Forbes Most Powerful Women List 2013

See where Michelle Obama, Oprah and others rank. 05/23/2013

The 411 on Seasonal Allergies

What you need to know about allergies. 05/22/2013

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Jaden Smith Goes to Dinner in London

Plus pics of Rita Ora, Janet Jackson, MJB and more. 05/24/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013

SEARCH

© 2013 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. All rights reserved.