A growing field of candidates is emerging for the special election to fill the Houston City Council District C seat, which opened after Council Member Abbie Kamin resigned to run for Harris County attorney. The special election is scheduled for April 4, 2026 and will fill the remainder of the term through January 2028.

Dr. Audrey Nath, a board‑certified neurologist and long‑time District C resident, formally filed her candidacy this week, reporting $100,000 raised to date. Nath completed the MD/PhD program at McGovern Medical School in Houston and finished a residency in child neurology at Harvard Medical School. She emphasizes her public health background as central to her approach to city issues, including flooding, public safety, infrastructure, affordable housing, reliable transportation, and access to healthcare.

Since 2021, Nath has extended her medical work into community advocacy, partnering with organizations focused on jail standards, healthcare access, and educational opportunities. She has testified before the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and has published academic work addressing caregiver separation and the effects of major legal decisions on vulnerable populations. Nath lives in District C with her husband and two children and is a parent in the Houston Independent School District.

Other candidates officially listed for the District C special election include:

Joe Panzarella, a community organizer and president of the Freedmen’s Town Super Neighborhood, focusing on housing affordability, public safety, and neighborhood development.

Nick Hellyar, a real estate firm owner with prior experience running for an at‑large Houston City Council seat.

Angelica Luna Kaufman, chief of staff to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, bringing experience in county government and administrative leadership.

Patrick Oathout, a local candidate adding to the competitive field for the District C seat.

The candidate filing period runs through 5 p.m. on February 2, 2026, with a drawing for ballot order scheduled for February 3.

District C covers parts of central and west Houston, including neighborhoods such as the Heights, Montrose, Meyerland, and Rice Village. Voters in the district will choose among the candidates on the April ballot to complete the current council term and represent local priorities through early 2028.