Menefee Leads Edwards in Houston Special Election Runoff for 18th Congressional District

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards appear headed for a runoff in the special election to fill the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s Houston-area congressional seat — though results were still being updated as of Tuesday night, according to The Texas Tribune.

With nearly all polling locations reporting, Menefee led the crowded 16-candidate field with roughly 29% of the vote, followed closely by Edwards at nearly 26%. State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, trailed in third place with about 19%. Both Menefee and Edwards are Democrats, meaning the 18th Congressional District is expected to remain under Democratic control.

Neither candidate reached the 50% threshold needed to win outright, setting up a runoff early next year to determine who will serve out the remainder of Turner’s term. 

The seat will be up for regular reelection in 2026, ensuring the winner’s tenure will be temporary unless they prevail again next year.

In a speech to supporters, Menefee thanked voters and emphasized momentum heading into the runoff. “We’re in first place tonight, and tonight is a time for celebration,” he said. “But we have another journey ahead of us. We have another race.”

Edwards, who previously challenged the late Sheila Jackson Lee in the 2024 Democratic primary, called the results “neck and neck” in a social media post, adding, “Thanks in advance for your continued support in the runoff! Now let’s go win!”

The seat has been vacant since Turner’s death in March, just months after he was sworn in following Jackson Lee’s passing in July 2024.

The special election and runoff are taking place under the district’s old boundaries, which were redrawn this summer as part of a mid-cycle redistricting led by Texas Republicans. The new lines could reshape the race ahead of the March 3 Democratic primary, forcing Menefee, Edwards, and possible new contenders, to decide whether to compete in the 2026 regular cycle.

Among those eyeing the reshaped district is Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, who was drawn out of his longtime 9th Congressional District and has hinted he will run in the new 18th.

Once filled, the seat will slightly reduce House Republicans’ slim 219–213 majority.

You can follow real-time Texas House Special Results on NBC News.