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Abbott Sets Jan. 31 Runoff for Houston’s 18th Congressional Seat

The timing squeezes the district’s return to representation into a brief window before a March primary under new maps.

Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee, candidates for the Houston-area congressional seat left vacant by Sylvester Turner's death, will face each other in a runoff election. Gov. Greg Abbott has set Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, as the election date; early voting will begin Jan. 21.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces his reelection campaign for Texas governor in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Democrat Taylor Rehmet, left, and Republican Leigh Wambsganss will face each other in a runoff election for Texas' Senate District 9 seat. Gov. Greg Abbott set the runoff for Saturday, Jan. 31. Early voting will begin Jan. 21.
Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards will face off in a Jan. 31 runoff in the special election for Texas' 18th District.

Overview

  • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott scheduled the special-election runoff for Jan. 31, 2026, with early voting from Jan. 21 to Jan. 27.
  • Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards advanced after taking 28.9% and 25.6% in the Nov. 4 field of 16.
  • The winner will serve the balance of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term through January 2027, leaving the seat vacant for more than 330 days by runoff day.
  • Abbott says he delayed the timeline due to Harris County election management issues, while critics argue the lag had partisan effects, noting President Donald Trump’s summer package passed the House by one vote.
  • The victor must immediately pivot to a March primary under a significantly redrawn map, as Rep. Al Green has filed in the new 18th and the primary filing deadline is Dec. 8, with experts warning turnout could be very low.