The big picture
Gretchen Brown, Amanda Edwards, Al Green and Christian Dashaun Menefee will compete for the Democratic nomination. The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will begin serving District 18 in January 2027. Elizabeth Vences and Ronald Dwayne Whitfield are vying for the Republican nomination.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for a two-year term with no term limits. Following congressional redistricting, which will take effect in January 2027, District 18 will cover portions of southwest, central and northeast Houston.
Something to note
The March primary election is separate from the Nov. 4 special election that was held to fill the vacant congressional seat following the death of incumbent Sylvester Turner in March.
The special election, which had 16 candidates, resulted in a runoff election between the top two vote-getters: Menefee and Edwards. A special runoff election will be held Jan. 31, with the winner serving Congressional District 18 for the remainder of Turner's unexpired term, which ends in January 2027, before new members of Congress are sworn in.
For the special runoff election, District 18 will follow the current district map, which covers portions of north, west and east Houston.
For more information about the special runoff election, click here.
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Gretchen Brown (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Defense analyst; federal-Congress liaison; defense policy coordination; interagency governance; public sector leadership
Candidate Website:
https://www.gretchenbrownforcongress.com
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to deliver results—funding and resources—to a district that has been underserved for decades. My experience working with federal agencies and Congress means I know how to move resources where they’re needed and make government work for people.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
I will focus on federal tools that lower housing costs, support fair tax policy, expand affordable housing, and incentivize development that keeps families and seniors in their homes.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I’ll secure federal resources for drainage and infrastructure, strengthen coordination among emergency responders, and improve oversight of utilities and local spending so flood-protection funds are used effectively and power systems stay resilient during storms.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I’ll hold regular roundtables, create issueu-focused working groups, and use mobile, online, and AI-supported tools to gather feedback and share clear updates throughout the decision-making process.
With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?
I’ll map needs by neighborhood, strengthen partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and secure federal funding for infrastructure and community programs.
Amanda Edwards (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney; former At-Large Houston City Council Member; nonprofit leader & attorney who delivers for the community.
Candidate Website:
https://www.edwardsforhouston.com
Contact Information:
281-215-3147
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to put people over politics and deliver results our community deserves. I was born, raised, and educated in this district, and as a public finance attorney and servant-leader, I understand our challenges and have the experience and vision to turn federal resources into real improvements for working families.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
I’ll fight to support housing affordability for all, including low-income seniors and working families. In addition to state and local tax federal deduction expansion, I support expanding CDBG funding, supporting community development corporations to stabilize neighborhoods, and investing in housing preservation so low-income residents can stay in their homes.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I served on City Council through three 500-year floods, including Hurricane Harvey. I have unmatched experience securing flood mitigation and infrastructure investment. As a former City Council Member and former public finance attorney, I’m prepared to bring federal investment for resilience, disaster preparedness, and flood prevention to protect our communities.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I’ll meet residents where they are—through regular town halls, community meetings, advisory councils, and partnerships with civic leaders. I’ll also host workshops to help neighbors access federal and community-impact grants, ensuring residents help shape decisions and benefit directly from public investment.
With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?
I’ll proactively connect every community to federal resources—CDBG, disaster recovery funds, healthcare access, workforce dollars, and small-business support—through transparent outreach and local partnerships. I’ve done this citywide before, and I’ll ensure no neighborhood is overlooked because our communities deserve better.
Al Green (D)
Occupation & Experience:
US Representative; Justice Court Judge, 25 years; Congress, 20 years; serve on two congressional committees
Candidate Website:
https://www.algreen.org
Contact Information:
346-330-8476
Why are you running for office?
To end invidious discrimination; to make food, housing, and the necessities of life accessible and affordable; to assure medical care for all; to be a voice and a vote for small business owners and working people; to defend democracy; to protect voting rights; [and] to provide liberty and justice for all.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Fixed income seniors should not lose their homes due to inability to pay property taxes. I am a cosponsor of legislation which would provide [$]100 billion to aid first time young home buyers and [$]10 billion for homelessness.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
As a member of the homeland security committee, I will coordinate with local judges of commissioners courts and mayors to help provide FEMA assistance and resources before and after extreme weather. I’ve directed over [$]100 million to help prevent flooding. I’ve passed disaster relief legislation through the House of Representatives.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I will continue to engage residents with community meetings, Zoom meetings, office meetings, newsletters, social media, resource fairs [and] impromptu conversations.
With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?
Through newsletters, resource fairs, social media, community meetings, and office outreach. I will help constituents acquire, mail ballots, voter registration information, election information [and] district boundary information.
Christian D. Menefee (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney; former Harris County Attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.christianmenefee.com
Why are you running for office?
I am running to fight for working families, protect our freedoms, and make government work for everyday people. As Harris County Attorney, I have taken on Trump, Abbott, and corporate interests and won. I am ready to bring that fight to Congress.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Housing costs are crushing families. I will fight to expand affordable housing, make it easier to build homes regular people can afford, protect renters, and expand down payment assistance. I will also push tax fairness so working families are not stuck paying more while the wealthy pay less.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will fight for strong federal investment in flood control, resilient infrastructure, and climate preparedness. That means prioritizing neighborhoods hit hardest by flooding and making sure disaster aid moves quickly, reaches people directly, and is not delayed by state politics.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process?
I will hold regular town halls, listening sessions, and community meetings across the district. My office will stay accessible and responsive, because the people who live here know best what their communities need and deserve a real voice in decisions.
With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?
No matter the lines, I will fight for the people. I will bring federal resources home, work closely with local leaders, and make sure constituents can easily access help with housing, disaster relief, healthcare, and other services they rely on.
