Updated Nov. 5 at 7:23 a.m.
Two Democratic candidates for Texas' 18th Congressional District are headed to a runoff election in January, according to unofficial results posted on the Harris County Clerk's website.
Of 16 total candidates, Christian Dashaun Menefee led with 21,979 votes, followed by Amanda Edwards with 19,440 votes. Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the two are expected to face each other again in a runoff election, which will be held in January, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth confirmed Nov. 4.
As previously reported by Community Impact, Menefee currently serves as Harris County Attorney. He was elected initially in 2020 and reelected in 2024.
"This was a crowded race, but our message broke through because it's rooted in what matters: standing up for working people, protecting our rights and making government work for everyone," Menefee said in a Nov. 4 statement. "We've built a campaign powered by community and by people who believe in fighting for something bigger than themselves. That's exactly how we're going to win this runoff."
Edwards, an attorney and nonprofit leader, previously served on Houston City Council in an at-large position.
"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 in a Nov. 5 statement. "My campaign and service journey has always been about delivering for the people, and I will do so as the next congresswoman for the 18th Congressional District."
Jolanda Jones, who came in third with 14,524 votes, said she would be filing for reelection for state representative for House District 147 in a Nov. 5 statement.
"I want to thank the voters, my volunteers and donors, my campaign team—and most of all my family—for their incredible support during my campaign for Congress," Jones said in a Nov. 5 statement. "Congratulations to Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee for making the runoff."
All results are unofficial until canvassed at a later date.
With 30 of 600 voting centers reporting Election Day results, Democrats have maintained their lead in the race for Texas' 18th Congressional District, according to unofficial results posted on the Harris County Clerk's Office website.
Christian Dashaun Menefee continues to lead with 13,351 votes, followed by Amanda Edwards with 10,443 votes and Jolanda Jones with 7,627 votes.
All results are unofficial until canvassed at a later date.
If no candidate ends up with more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will move on to a runoff in January. Posted Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Early voting results from the Harris County Clerk's Office show Democrats taking the lead in the highly contested race for Texas' 18th Congressional District.
The latest
Sixteen candidates—including five Republicans, seven Democrats, three independent candidates and one Green Party candidate—are running for U.S. House of Representatives District 18 in the Nov. 4 election.
Christian Dashaun Menefee is in the lead with 12,599 votes, followed by Amanda Edwards with 9,769 votes and Jolanda Jones with 7,342 votes.
Results are unofficial until canvassed at a later date.
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 north and central Houston.
Stay tuned
In the event that no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election for the top two vote-getters will be held in January, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth confirmed Nov. 4.
Community Impact will update this article as more Election Day vote totals are released. All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide/election-results to see results from all local elections in your community.
