Some context
As previously reported by Community Impact, a special election is being held to fill the vacant seat after incumbent Sylvester Turner, who also previously served as Houston mayor, died in March. In November 2024, Turner was elected to the vacant seat after former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died in July 2024.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for a two-year term with no term limits. District 18 covers portions of southwest and northeast Houston.
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.
Theodis Daniel (R)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Ollie J. Knox (R)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Carmen Marie Montiel (R)
Occupation & Experience:
Realtor; broadcaster and communicator; Houston community advocate; small-business supporter and entrepreneur; previous Republican Congressional candidate (2018, 2022)
Candidate Website:
https://www.carmen4congress.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I’m running to give District 18 a true voice in Congress, fighting for faith, family, freedom, and opportunity. My experience as an immigrant from Venezuela taught me the dangers of socialism and the value of protecting America’s future.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Public safety, economic struggles, flooding, and education top the list. I’ll back law enforcement, demand accountability for infrastructure funds, cut red tape for businesses, and fight for school choice so families thrive.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I’ll ensure federal aid reaches families directly, not bureaucracy. By demanding transparency and working with local partners, I’ll secure timely disaster relief and real solutions to Houston’s flooding problems.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Secure the border, grow the economy, strengthen education, defend faith and family, and demand accountability for taxpayer dollars. My promise: Last on the ballot, first for you.
Carter Page (R)
Occupation & Experience:
Policy executive, worked on complex policy challenges with preeminent Houston innovators and leaders for a quarter century
Candidate Website:
https://www.carterpage.us
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Several of the most transformational leaders in this district’s history generously gave me extraordinary opportunities with their contributions over recent decades. I am committed to pay back the favor, in the best interest of our city and our country. Given the major challenges that America now faces, I am uniquely prepared.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
The continued lack of effective cooperation with Washington and Austin has, in turn, led to countless roadblocks in effective governance. Such approaches and rhetoric have needlessly robbed our great city of a seat at the table. The disastrous government shutdown demonstrates severe costs if today’s malicious tactics are not reformed.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
The landmark 2024 Supreme Court Loper Bright v. Raimondo decision now requires more proactive Congressional approaches to ensuring effective disaster recovery, as well as countless other critically important national policy issues. As I’ve done for decades, I’m ready to design and lead such essential policy strategies for Houston again now.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Based on extensive experience in helping to reform America’s food supply and energy industry, I have long worked hard to create essential changes that positively impact the health of Houston’s people and the strength of our city’s foundational economic pillars. Redirecting funds from moronic foreign wars will only accelerate this.
Ronald Dwayne Whitfield (R)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Feldon Bonner II (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?<br>
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Amanda Edwards (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney, former Houston City Council Member At-large, nonprofit leader & attorney who delivers results
Candidate Website:
https://www.edwardsforhouston.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I am running to place people over politics and to deliver the results our community deserves. I was born, raised, and educated in this district. As an attorney and servant-leader, I have a deep understanding of our community’s challenges and the vision and experience to address them.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Our district faces several critical challenges, from housing affordability to climate change to healthcare access. As we face another hurricane season, one critical issue is our aging infrastructure. In Congress, I will prioritize funding for disaster recovery and flood mitigation and prevention to keep our residents safe and protected.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Harvey proved that we must reform disaster recovery in this country. Residents should not have to wait several months for policy decisions or relief funding. I propose overhauling the process starting in DC to create an evergreen relief fund that localities can draw down in the event of disasters.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My priorities in Congress will be expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare; expanding economic opportunity for small-business owners and those seeking jobs in an evolving economy; lowering the costs of higher education; and securing our democracy, protecting voting rights and ending gerrymandering that dilutes the votes of communities of color.
Stephen Huey (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Founder of technology firm High Emprise, Rice University alumnus, managed technology innovation teams in an energy company, joined or co-founded five startups
Candidate Website:
https://stephenhueyforcongress.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
My wife and kids and I understand the challenges families are facing. The status quo is not working, and it’s time for change. Over 20 years of solving problems in healthcare, energy and finance equip me to pass sensible legislation. My faith compels me to compassionately serve those in need.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Reckless attacks on healthcare, food assistance, education and emergency funding are massive threats right now. We need pragmatic plans, not chaotic decisions. It’s an uphill battle with this administration, so the best way forward is to find common ground across the aisle to restore life-giving aid before it’s too late.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Washington is less dependable than ever, but I’ll persistently raise my voice until help comes. To prevent flood damage, I’ll advocate for the original Harris County plan for large deep tunnels to carry floodwater away and stand against Elon Musk’s questionable plan that has smaller, shallower and less effective tunnels.
What are your core priorities if elected?
98% of businesses are small, but big business gets more aid. I’ll fix that so more Houston businesses succeed. Whether you’re blue or red or purple, everyone should agree that corruption drowns out voter voices, so I’ll fight big money influence by restricting Super PACs and stopping insider trading in Congress.
Jolanda Jones (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney; current Texas State Representative, District 147; former HISD trustee; former At-Large Houston City Council member
Candidate Website:
https://www.jolandjones.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate's answer did not adhere to CI's Q&A guidelines.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
I’ll fight to stop Trump's cuts to healthcare and Medicaid, Social Security, education, and veterans. I’ll fight to lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand mental health care, and make healthcare more affordable and accessible. I’ll never stop fighting to restore abortion rights so women can control their own bodies.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I will fight like hell to stop Trump from dismantling FEMA. Houston is ground zero for climate change and flooding, and our communities deserve urgent action. I will support legislation that fully funds the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA to complete flood control and drainage projects in Harris County.
What are your core priorities if elected?
To rid the White House of Trump and rid the Congress and Supreme Court of MAGA Republicans; to restore civil and constitutional rights to all people; to lift up the downtrodden and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves; and to bring hope and justice to all my constituents.
Isaiah R. Martin (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Aerospace Consultant, former Senior Advisor to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Candidate Website:
https://www.isaiahmartin.org
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I’m sick of politicians who are all talk. Strongly worded letters do nothing to fight the current administration and leave people—like me—behind. The Democratic Party needs fresh leadership with a spine who will speak directly to the people and stand up instead of pulling out a quill and ink.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Houston’s too expensive. We must axe the Trump tax, protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and make childcare more affordable. I want a future where parents are free to take their kids on vacation and send them to Pop Warner without worrying about putting food on the table.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I stood next to Rep. Jackson-Lee as Texas’s congressional delegation came together to secure federal disaster aid. I’ve seen firsthand how federal aid can make or break recovery after a storm. But Republicans are hacking funding, people are suffering, and Democrats are too scared to fight. I won’t back down.
What are your core priorities if elected?
We must stand up to Donald Trump and vote against his ridiculous budget thats defunding healthcare. I’m committed to being the most transparent, open, communicative member of Congress. I already talk to thousands every night via my digital town halls. If voters are there, so will I.
Christian Dashaun Menefee (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Harris County Attorney, elected as Harris County Attorney in 2020, reelected as Harris County Attorney in 2024
Candidate Website:
https://www.christianmenefee.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I’m running to fight for working families, protect our freedoms, and restore opportunity. I’ve delivered results as Harris County Attorney—standing up to Trump, Abbott, and corporate interests—and I’ll bring that same fight to Congress to strengthen democracy, raise wages, and make government work for the people.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Families in District 18 are working harder than ever but falling further behind, crushed by low wages, high costs, and lack of access to healthcare, housing, and education. I’ll fight to raise wages, expand healthcare, protect voting rights, and bring direct federal investment into our communities so everyone has a real chance to thrive.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I’ll fight for faster, direct federal disaster funding to local governments so aid reaches people quickly. I’ll push for resilient infrastructure, better flood control, and emergency preparedness. We must prioritize underserved communities, streamline recovery, and block state-level political interference that delays help when families need it most, especially after hurricanes or flooding.
What are your core priorities if elected?
My priorities include raising wages, protecting Social Security and Medicare, strengthening public schools, and investing in job training, childcare, and healthcare. From protecting voting rights and Medicare to fighting corporate greed and climate inaction, my priorities are about building an economy and democracy that work for everyone, not just the wealthy.
Valencia Williams (D)
Occupation & Experience:
Philanthropist and small-minority-business owner, chair of Harris County Precinct, presiding election judge of Harris County Precinct
Candidate Website:
https://www.valencia4congress.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I am running to be Texas's 18th Congressional District's next Congressmember, for 1 reason: "to serve and be of service" to the residents in the district.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
I believe income inequality and sanitation are frequently disregarded. This is the primary issue I will focus on during my first 100 days in office. In 2017, I presented a proposal to several local Houston politicians, recommending a minimum wage increase to $17.00 an hour, not for comfortable living, but for a dignified existence.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
As a public official, I can ensure my constituents receive the appropriate preparedness, communication, and direct constituent support. This involves proactive planning, leveraging public-private partnerships, and knowing the valuable resources for the community. Quantitative and qualitative performance measures will be taken to monitor and evaluate the project continually.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Improving infrastructure, including transportation and flood control; education and economic opportunity; public safety and disaster recovery; support for small businesses.
Reyna Anderson (I)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Vince Duncan (I)
Occupation & Experience:
Builder, home designer, furniture maker
Candidate Website:
https://www.vinceforus.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I’m running to fight for working families, protect our freedoms, to create policies that become law to protect us from failed policy makers of the past. Creating a new political language that puts the needs of the American people first, rebuilding American manufacturing by creating Federal Manufacturing Zones, affordable housing…
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Safety, strong economy, thriving job markets, affordable housing, affordable cost of living, capped cost of college and universities, clean air, water and soil to grow our nation's food supply, higher wages.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I would work closely with the Chairs and committee members of our nation's Disaster and Emergency readiness community to ensure that we are not neglected during times of crisis. FEMA, DHS, USGS, NOAA, CDC, EPA, NDMS, USFA, Red Cross.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Priorities to teach citizens how the U.S. government works, the economy, employment, affordable housing, higher wages, affordable college and university costs, free and clear property ownership reform, and end the American role in Global Wars.
George Edward Foreman IV (I)
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What are your core priorities if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Tammie Jean Rochester (G)
Occupation & Experience:
Licensed social worker, Texas Department of Human Services, Department of Protective and Regulatory Services…
Candidate Website:
https://www.tammiefortexas.com
Why are you running for Texas District 18?
I grew up in the lower Fifth Ward area in District 18 and I had a parent who died on the streets of Houston in District 18. I visit residents in all areas of District 18 and we still have streets that are not safe and kids are afraid to attend school…
What do you think are the biggest issues right now facing District 18 constituents and how would you look into addressing those challenges?
Economic disparities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, education, crime, and our roads are issues facing the constituents in District 18. I would propose and implement policies to address the need for funding and more qualified workers.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after disasters, hurricanes and flooding?
I would ensure that FEMA has the resources at all times and implement additional departments to interact with FEMA to get each household they need in a collaboration of agencies.
What are your core priorities if elected?
I would make sure no children or families are being thrown under the bus and make sure all people have opportunities to a quality of life and equal economic opportunities.
