Texans Head to Polls Today for Special Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Texas voters are heading to the polls Tuesday, November 4, for an off-year election that includes two high-profile special races and 17 proposed changes to the state constitution. Despite typically lower turnout in non-presidential years, more than a million Texans have already cast ballots during early voting, according to Fox News.

Houston 18th Congressional District Special Election

In Houston, a 16-candidate field is competing to fill the remainder of the term for the 18th Congressional District, left vacant by the death of U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner in March.

Fox News reports that, due to the amount of contenders, no candidate is expected to get 50%, likely leading to a runoff early next year.

Leading candidates:

• Democrats: Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, State Rep. Jolanda Jones.

• Republican: Former Republican nominee Carmen Maria Montiel, who could reach the runoff due to the Democratic vote split.

The winner will serve the remainder of Turner’s term representing a heavily Democratic district that was significantly redrawn after redistricting.

North Texas State Senate District 9 Special Election

In North Texas, a special election is underway for State Senate District 9, covering parts of Fort Worth and northern Tarrant County. The seat was vacated by Kelly Hancock in June when he became acting state comptroller.

Main candidates:

• Republicans: Former Southlake Mayor John Huffman, and political strategist Leigh Wambsganss, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

• Democrat: Taylor Rehmet, Air Force veteran and union leader.

The winner will serve through the end of 2026. A Republican victory keeps the State Senate at 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats, maintaining the party’s legislative control.

Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot (17 Total)

• Prop 2: Blocks the state from levying a tax on certain capital assets.
• Prop 3: Tightens bail rules for serious felonies, requiring judges to deny release if public safety is demonstrably at risk.
• Prop 4: Authorizes $20 billion over 20 years for water development projects and infrastructure repair.
• Prop 12: Changes appointments on the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, giving the governor more influence while adding citizen appointees.
• Prop 13: Raises the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $100K to $140K, potentially saving an average homeowner about $490 annually.
• Prop 14: Establishes a $3 billion institute for research on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Other propositions: Address criminal justice, tax policy, and funding priorities affecting Texas for decades to come.

Voter approval will shape key policy areas, including property taxes, judicial oversight, water resources, and healthcare research.

Voting Information

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can check polling locations, sample ballots, and voter registration status through the Texas Secretary of State’s Am I Registered portal.