Gov. Greg Abbott has announced a special election to fill the Houston-area congressional seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. Abbott selected November 4, the next uniform election date, saying this gives Harris County officials enough time to plan and execute an orderly election.
“No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County,” said Abbott. “They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law.”
Abbott went on to say that rushing a special election on weeks’ notice would harm voters.
“This timeline allows for a fair and orderly election process, ensuring that the people of Texas’ 18th Congressional District have a voice in Congress,” explained Abbott.
Recently, Christian Menefee, a Democrat who resigned as Harris County Attorney to run for the seat, and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries threatened legal action if Abbott did not order a special election.
“Congress is voting on critical issues. TX-18 deserves a representative now—not months from now,” wrote Menefee, who continues serving as acting county attorney.
The Texas Election Code grants the governor broad discretion to set special election dates for U.S. House vacancies, with no fixed timeline established by law.
Turner, a long-serving Houston Democrat, passed away last month, vacating a seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee who passed away in 2024 after a fight with cancer.
Former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards and former Jackson Lee staffer Isaiah Martin also jumped into the race last month.
Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the secretary of state no later than September 3. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 20.
