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Abbott Sets Jan. 31 Runoff for Houston’s 18th District as Map Fight Clouds Next Phase

The timing leaves the district unrepresented for nearly a year, forcing a quick turn to a primary under maps now blocked in court.

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

  • Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards advanced from the Nov. 4 special election and will face off Jan. 31, with early voting Jan. 21–27.
  • Menefee led the first round with about 28.9% of the vote and Edwards followed with roughly 25.6%, below the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
  • The winner will be seated to complete the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term through January 2027.
  • The runoff winner must quickly navigate the March 3 primary on a compressed calendar, with a Dec. 8 filing deadline and congressional maps now blocked by a federal court as the state seeks U.S. Supreme Court review.
  • Rep. Al Green, who filed for the reconfigured 18th, says he will wait for the high court’s action before deciding his path, while Abbott’s delay has drawn criticism from Democrats and local officials who dispute his stated rationale and note GOP advantages in close House votes.