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In Texas’ 18th Congressional District, voters are mobilizing for a special election this Tuesday, aimed at filling the U.S. House seat that has been vacant since the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner, a Democrat from Houston, in March.
The ballot is crowded, with 16 contenders vying for the position. These candidates span across political affiliations, including Democrats, Republicans, independents, and members of the Green Party, as there is no primary election to narrow the field.
In recent weeks, polls have spotlighted three frontrunners: Acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, and state Rep. Jolanda Jones. Each has garnered notable support, though none have reached the 50% threshold required to clinch the seat outright.
Should no candidate achieve this majority, the election will proceed to a runoff between the top two vote-getters. The victor of this election will serve a brief term before the seat comes up for election again in March 2026.
Historically, District 18 has been a Democratic bastion, evidenced by former Vice President Kamala Harris securing it by a 40-point margin in 2024. However, forthcoming GOP redistricting efforts signal a shift in the district’s boundaries. Currently dominated by voters of color, these demographic changes will see many residents transitioned into new districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
District 18 has long been a Democratic stronghold, with former Vice President Kamala Harris winning it by 40 points in 2024. But with new GOP redistricting plans underway, the boundaries of the district are shifting. The district, currently made up of a majority of voters of color, will see many residents moved into new districts ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle.
Before Turner, Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee held the seat for nearly 30 years and died in office in July 2024. Her daughter, Erica Lee Carter, finished Jackson Lee’s term and endorsed Turner to fill the seat afterward. Turner died two months into his term, resulting in Tuesday’s special election to fill the seat.
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Houston. Follow election results in the tracker below:
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