Summary
Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards, both Democrats, advanced to a runoff in a special election to fill a vacant U.S. House seat in Houston. The seat was previously held by Rep. Sylvester Turner, and neither candidate received over 50% of the vote, leading to the runoff expected early next year. The outcome will affect the slim majority held by Republicans in the House.
Key Facts
- Christian Menefee is currently Harris County attorney, and Amanda Edwards is a former Houston City Council member.
- The special election is for the U.S. House 18th Congressional District seat, vacant since March after Rep. Sylvester Turner's death.
- Neither candidate received more than 50% of the votes, necessitating a runoff election.
- The runoff is expected to take place early next year.
- Republican Governor Greg Abbott delayed the special election to November, citing election preparation needs.
- The district's map was redrawn to potentially increase Republican seats, following pressure from President Donald Trump.
- Republicans currently have a narrow seven-seat House majority, with four vacancies, including this Houston seat.
- Menefee has the backing of several notable Texas Democrats and has challenged Trump’s executive orders in court.
