The race to fill Texas’ 18th Congressional District seat is heading to a runoff after a tightly contested special election that saw Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee emerge as the top two candidates from a crowded field of 16.

According to unofficial results, Menefee led with 28.89% of the vote, followed closely by Edwards with 25.55%, a difference of just over three percentage points. Because no candidate received more than 50%, the two will advance to a runoff election expected in January 2026.

“I’m deeply grateful to the people of the 18th Congressional District who have supported me and know that victory is right around the corner for our community,” Edwards said Tuesday night. “We are entering this runoff neck and neck with my opponent with the community behind us. By no means am I the establishment candidate in this race; I am the ‘People’s Candidate,’ and my track record for delivering results for the people will help propel me forward in this runoff.”

Edwards, a native Houstonian, attorney, and former At-Large Houston City Council Member, is backed by several local and national organizations, including the Greater Heights Democratic Club, EMILYs List, Elect Democratic Women, Higher Heights, Elect Black Women, Run Sister Run, and Moms Demand Action (Gun Sense Candidate distinction). She has also received support from community leaders such as Alison Leland, as well as public figures Tina Knowles and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.

Menefee, currently serving as Harris County Attorney, made history in 2020 as the youngest and first Black person to hold that position. His campaign has focused on issues such as affordability, voting rights, and accountability in government.

“Tonight’s results show what we already knew: when you fight for the people of Houston, they fight for you,” Menefee said. “For months, as this seat sat vacant, I heard from voters who were ready for someone willing to take on challenges and deliver real results.”

Menefee’s campaign has drawn endorsements from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter, the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, Leaders We Deserve, and several local labor unions representing Houston’s working families.

State Rep Jolanda Jones

 

State Representative Jolanda Jones, who finished third with about 19% of the vote, congratulated both Edwards and Menefee. “I want to thank the voters, my volunteers, and my campaign team for their incredible support,” Jones said. “Congratulations to Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee for making the runoff.” Jones also confirmed she will seek re-election to House District 147.

The 18th Congressional District seat was left vacant earlier this year following the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. The district, which spans parts of central and north Houston, has long been recognized as one of the state’s most historically significant and diverse constituencies.