Houston voters to fill vacant congressional seat in special runoff

Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards face off in race to represent 18th District

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Houston voters will finally fill a vacant U.S. House seat in a special runoff election on Saturday, while voters in the Fort Worth area will elect a new state senator. Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards were the top vote-getters in the November special election to replace the late Congressman Sylvester Turner, but no one received a majority. The winner will only briefly represent the area, as Texas is using different district lines for the midterm elections in November.

Why it matters

The special election is crucial for Democrats, as it represents a chance to narrow the slim Republican majority in the House, even if only temporarily. The 18th Congressional District has been a Democratic stronghold, but the new district lines drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature are expected to be more favorable to the GOP.

The details

Menefee edged out Edwards in the November special election, 29% to 26%, with state Rep. Jolanda Jones finishing third. As of January 11, Menefee had spent about $1.8 million on his campaign, compared to $1.5 million for Edwards. In the state Senate District 9 race, Democrat Taylor Rehmet was the top vote-getter in November with about 48% of the vote, but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff against Republican Leigh Wambsganss.

  • The special runoff election for the 18th Congressional District and state Senate District 9 will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • In the November 4, 2025 special election for the 18th Congressional District, Menefee received 29% of the vote and Edwards received 26%.
  • As of January 11, 2026, Menefee had spent about $1.8 million on his campaign, while Edwards had spent about $1.5 million.

The players

Christian Menefee

A Democratic candidate in the special runoff election for the 18th Congressional District.

Amanda Edwards

A Democratic candidate in the special runoff election for the 18th Congressional District.

Sylvester Turner

The late Democratic congressman who died two months into his term on March 5, 2025, leaving the 18th Congressional District seat vacant.

Taylor Rehmet

The top vote-getter in the November 4, 2025 special election for state Senate District 9.

Leigh Wambsganss

The Republican candidate in the runoff election for state Senate District 9.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of the 18th Congressional District special runoff election will only briefly represent the area, as Texas is using different district lines for the midterm elections in November 2026.

The takeaway

This special election represents a crucial opportunity for Democrats to narrow the slim Republican majority in the House, even if only temporarily. The outcome will also provide insight into the political landscape in Texas as the state prepares for the 2026 midterm elections under new congressional district lines.