On February 15, 1966, Albert Thomas died and a special election was called for March 26, 1966 to elect a successor for the remainder of his term, which was to end January 3, 1967. Elected as a
Democrat--like her husband--in the special election, Lera Thomas was the first woman elected to Congress from the State of Texas. She received over 74% of the vote against Republican Louis Leman, who urged voters to vote for the Widow Thomas. Thomas served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, where she supported funds to expand the
Houston Ship Channel. She also continued her husband's work in the creation of a NASA branch within her district, adjacent to other existing laboratories. Because he died after filing for re-election, Albert Thomas's name remained on the Democratic primary ballot for the 8th District and his widow determined that she would not seek a full term. State Representative
Bob Eckhardt won the primary and then the general election in November. After serving the remainder of her husband's term, Lera Thomas served as special liaison for the
Houston Chronicle to members of the armed services in
Vietnam. ==Later years==