TX-18 Runoff: Menefee vs. Edwards - Voting Today in Houston

Voters in Houston's 18th Congressional District will choose between Democratic candidates Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards in a special runoff election.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:55pm

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A special runoff election is being held Saturday to determine who will fill the vacant U.S. House seat in Texas' 18th Congressional District. Voters in the Houston area will choose between Democratic candidates Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards.

Why it matters

The unusual circumstances surrounding this vacancy - following the passing of both Representative Jackson Lee and Representative Turner in relatively short succession - underscore the fragility of representation and the importance of special elections in maintaining continuity in government. The high number of initial candidates suggests significant interest in the seat, and the runoff will likely be closely contested.

The details

Christian Menefee previously served as a commercial litigator in Houston and, in 2020, became the youngest and first Black Harris County Attorney. Amanda Edwards is an attorney who has twice sought to represent the 18th Congressional District, previously running in a primary against Sheila Jackson Lee and a close contest with former Mayor Turner. She most recently served as an At-Large Houston City Council Member.

  • The seat became vacant following the March 5, 2025, death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for a special election on November 4, 2025, to fill the remainder of the term, which expires in January 2027.
  • With 16 candidates on the initial ballot, no one secured more than 50% of the vote, necessitating a runoff between the top two vote-getters.

The players

Christian Menefee

Christian Menefee previously served as a commercial litigator in Houston and, in 2020, became the youngest and first Black Harris County Attorney.

Amanda Edwards

Amanda Edwards is an attorney who has twice sought to represent the 18th Congressional District, previously running in a primary against Sheila Jackson Lee and a close contest with former Mayor Turner. She most recently served as an At-Large Houston City Council Member.

Sylvester Turner

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner took office in January 2025, but his death in March created the current vacancy.

Sheila Jackson Lee

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee represented the 18th Congressional District for nearly three decades, from 1995 until her death in July 2024.

Erica Lee Carter

Following Sheila Jackson Lee's passing, her daughter, Erica Lee Carter, served a brief term from November 2024 to January 2025.

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What’s next

The outcome of this runoff election will determine who will represent the 18th Congressional District for the remainder of the current term, which expires in January 2027.

The takeaway

This special election highlights the critical role of special elections in ensuring continuity of representation, particularly in the face of unexpected events like the passing of elected officials. Voters in Houston's 18th Congressional District will play a pivotal role in determining the district's leadership for the next two years.