Amanda Edwards suspends March 3rd primary campaign, remains on the ballot

Former Houston City Council member focuses on community advocacy and voter registration

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Amanda Edwards has announced she is suspending her campaign for the March 3 primary, even though her name will remain on the ballot. In a social media post, Edwards said she is stepping back from active campaigning but reaffirmed her commitment to community advocacy and voter registration. She has not formally endorsed another candidate in the race and did not detail future electoral plans.

Why it matters

Edwards' decision adds another unexpected turn to a race already reshaped by redistricting and a year of political upheaval in the 18th Congressional District. Her withdrawal from active campaigning, while keeping her name on the ballot, could impact the dynamics of the primary race.

The details

Edwards had positioned her campaign on expanding health care access and economic opportunities for Houstonians. In her post, she reiterated that these priorities remain at the core of her public work, even if she is not actively campaigning for the 18th Congressional District seat. The March 3 primaries will see Edwards' name placed alongside Congressmen Al Green and Christian Menefee, and Gretchen Brown on the Democratic side, and Elizabeth Vences and Ronald Dwayne Whitfield on the Republican side.

  • Edwards announced the suspension of her campaign on February 9, 2026.
  • Early voting for the March 3 elections begins on February 17, 2026.

The players

Amanda Edwards

Former Houston City Council member who has suspended her campaign for the March 3 primary, but will remain on the ballot.

Al Green

Congressman running in the Democratic primary for the 18th Congressional District.

Christian Menefee

Congressman running in the Democratic primary for the 18th Congressional District.

Gretchen Brown

Candidate running in the Democratic primary for the 18th Congressional District.

Elizabeth Vences

Candidate running in the Republican primary for the 18th Congressional District.

Ronald Dwayne Whitfield

Candidate running in the Republican primary for the 18th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“Although my name will appear on the March 2026 Primary ballot, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress. My commitment to serving and advocating for the community remains unchanged…As we all know, too much is at stake to disengage from the fight for healthcare, economic stability, and our democracy. That is why I hope you will join me as I relaunch our Do Something Houston Voter Registration Initiative, so we can win the midterm elections and deliver for our community again.”

— Amanda Edwards (Instagram)

What’s next

The March 3 primaries will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for the 18th Congressional District seat.

The takeaway

Edwards' decision to suspend her campaign while remaining on the ballot adds an unexpected twist to the 18th Congressional District race, which has already been reshaped by redistricting and a year of political upheaval. Her continued commitment to community advocacy and voter registration suggests she may have a role to play in the district's future, even if she is not actively campaigning for the seat.