Democrat Christian Menefee secured a U.S. House seat in a Texas special election, further shrinking the Republican majority. Menefee, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, pledged to fight for universal healthcare, seek impeachment for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and dismantle ICE, while also promising to investigate Trump's alleged crimes.
Democrat Christian Menefee won a special election for a Texas U.S. House seat, narrowing the Republican majority in Congress. Menefee, the Harris County attorney, defeated fellow Democrat Amanda Edwards in a runoff to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025. The heavily Democratic Houston-based district had been without representation for nearly a year, a delay criticized by Democrats who accused GOP Gov. Greg Abbott of intentionally prolonging the vacancy. During his victory speech, Menefee, 37, outlined an aggressive agenda, promising to advocate for universal health insurance, seek the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and "tear ICE up from the roots." He directly addressed former President Donald Trump, drawing parallels to Barbara Jordan's role in Richard Nixon's impeachment, stating that the district "topples corrupt presidencies." Menefee vowed to "oppose your agenda, to fight back against where you’re taking this country and to investigate your crimes." Menefee will serve the remainder of Turner’s term until January 2027. His opponent, Amanda Edwards, 44, a former Houston City Council member, emphasized community building, access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity during her campaign. Menefee, who in 2020 became Harris County's first Black county attorney, was endorsed by prominent Texas Democrats, including Beto O’Rourke and Rep. Jasmine Crockett. The political landscape in Texas remains dynamic, with both Menefee and Edwards set to face off again on March 3 in a Democratic primary for a newly drawn 18th congressional district, this time for the full term starting in 2027. This follows a summer where GOP lawmakers redrew district maps to create more advantageous seats for Republicans. Winter weather also complicated the special election, leading to voting extensions.
