The November 4, 2025, special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is shaping up to be one for the history books. With 17 candidates officially on the ballot (so far), each competing for the honor to succeed the late Congressman Sylvester Turner, this race is less about who’s ahead and more about what each brings to the table.

A Legacy to Uphold
From Barbara Jordan to Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, Sheila Jackson Lee, and most recently Sylvester Turner—whose passing in March left the district without a representative—CD-18 has a rich tradition of impactful leaders. This election isn’t just to fill a vacant seat; it’s to keep that legacy alive and moving forward.

Here are the contenders, listed in an approximate alphabetical or filing-informed order:

• Reyna Anderson (Independent) – homemaker, community voice
• Feldon Bonner II (Democrat) – minister and faith leader
• Theodis Daniel (Republican) – veteran and father to DJ Daniel, cancer survivor’s story in the family
• Vince Duncan (Independent) – builder with persistent civic engagement
• Amanda Edwards (Democrat) – former Houston City Councilmember, seasoned in city-wide issues
• George Edward Foreman IV (Independent) – son of the boxer, stepping into politics
• Stephen Huey (Democrat) – entrepreneur, tech background, forward-thinking platform
• Jolanda Jones (Democrat) – State Representative, deeply rooted in Third Ward and Montrose
• Ollie Knox (Republican) – community activist aiming to bring new perspectives
• Isaiah Martin (Democrat) – former staffer, young, energetic, focused on grassroots issues
• Christian Menefee (Democrat) – outgoing County Attorney, with both legal and administrative experience
• Carmen María Montiel (Republican) – activist, former Miss Venezuela, with broader political name
• Carter Page (Republican) – controversial advisor, drawing interest for national ties
• Tammie Jean Rochester (Green Party) – social worker with passion for equity and service
• Ronald Whitfield (Republican) – local businessman, grounded in neighborhood-level concerns
• Valencia Williams (Democrat) – philanthropist committed to community uplift

(Note: Some sources list 29 candidates total by party and independent affiliations. Some may still be pending verification or final ballot placement.)

What’s Next: Dates & Stakes

• Early Voting: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 31, 2025
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
• If no candidate earns a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a run-off in January 2026

Why Each One Counts
Every single person listed has something valuable to offer; lived experience, local roots, professional background, community trust. The sheer diversity of this group—across age, profession, ideology, and affiliation—means voters have real choices, not just names. CD-18 isn’t about party labels alone; it’s about who can listen, who can lead, and who can carry forward a legacy of strong representation.