Texas' 18th District Runoff Election Underway

Voters are participating in a runoff election on Saturday to fill a vacant US House seat in Texas' 18th Congressional District. This election involves two Democratic candidates, former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards.

Impact on House Majority

The outcome of this election will further narrow Speaker Mike Johnson's Republican majority in the House. The current partisan breakdown is 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats.

Once the winner is sworn in, the Republican majority will be reduced to 218-214, allowing Johnson to lose only one Republican vote on party-line matters.

A Vacant Seat's History

The 18th Congressional District seat has been vacant since March, following the death of former Rep. Sylvester Turner. The seat had also been vacant for a period after the death of long-time Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in July 2024, whom Turner was elected to succeed.

Other Upcoming Special Elections

Additional special elections are scheduled, including one in March to replace Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and another in April for a New Jersey seat vacated by Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

Redistricting Adds Complexity

Redistricting efforts have added complexity to the election process. The current runoff is being conducted under old district lines.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new map last year, which a federal court initially blocked as a likely unconstitutional gerrymander. However, the US Supreme Court overruled that decision, allowing the map to be used in 2026. The 18th District was modified to be more Democratic under this new map.

Looking Ahead: 2027 Primary

A primary election for a full two-year term, to begin in 2027 under the new district lines, is set for March 3.

Both Menefee and Edwards have indicated they will run in this primary regardless of the runoff results.

Rep. Al Green, whose current 9th District home is now part of the new 18th District, has also announced his intention to run in the new 18th.