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Abbott Sets Jan. 31 Runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional Seat Between Menefee and Edwards

The timing leaves the Houston-area district without a representative for nearly a year.

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.
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Overview

  • Early voting for the runoff begins Jan. 21, according to the governor's announcement.
  • Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards advanced after a 16-candidate special election on Nov. 4 failed to produce a majority winner.
  • The runoff winner will serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term through January 2027.
  • The schedule overlaps with mail voting for the March Democratic primary for the next full term.
  • Abbott said he delayed the process to allow Harris County more preparation time, and the Houston Chronicle reported the prolonged vacancy helped pass President Donald Trump’s spending and tax-cut package by one House vote.