LIST: Who’s running for 18th congressional district?
Following the passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is heating up as candidates step forward to fill the seat.
Following the passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is heating up as candidates step forward to fill the seat.
Here’s a look at those who have announced their campaigns so far:
1. Christian Menefee
Christian Menefee, the top civil attorney for Harris County, has officially filed to run for the 18th Congressional District. Menefee has built a reputation as a strong legal advocate, focusing on protecting voting rights and challenging conservative policies impacting Harris County.
His campaign is expected to emphasize progressive policies and legal expertise in governance.
Read more about Menefee’s campaign here.
2. Amanda Edwards
Former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards has also announced her candidacy. Edwards, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate, is positioning herself as a leader focused on economic development, infrastructure, and public service.
Her experience in city governance and community engagement is a key aspect of her campaign.
Read more about Edwards’ campaign here.
3. Isaiah Martin
Isaiah Martin is the youngest candidate in the race, he says it’s time for a fresh approach in Washington, D.C. representing the 18th District.
Martin is a University of Houston graduate, native Houstonian, and former advisor to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
This summer Martin was arrested in the Texas State Capitol during redistrict efforts. According to Martin’s social media video, he was forcibly taken to the ground during the incident. Travis County records show Martin faces misdemeanor charges including resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disrupting a meeting or procession. The charges were later dropped.
He says this shows he’s the true fighter for the district. The encounter was used in one of his ads along with one where he says elected officials aren’t fighting hard enough. while holding up a skeleton, he says, “this is a spine. A lot of politicians can’t find theirs right now, when we need it most.”
Read more about Martin’s campaign here.
4. George Foreman IV
George Foreman IV is hoping to stand out not just because of his famous last name, but because of his independent approach to leadership.
Foreman said people can drive through the 18th and see where some neighborhoods thrive while others have been left behind those forgotten parts are where he says his family comes from.
Running as an independent, Foreman says he’s not loyal to either political party only to the people of the district. Foreman says he wants to bring more cooperation to Washington and focus on efficient, people-first government.
Foreman says the issues most affecting residents of the 18th District are infrastructure, education, and workforce development. Foreman points to Houston’s frequent storms and fragile power grid as urgent concerns.
Read more about Foreman’s campaign here.
What happens next?
The race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is still developing, and more candidates may enter as the election process unfolds. Gov. Greg Abbott will determine the timeline for a special election to fill the seat.
READ: Here’s what happens next with late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s House seat
5. Jolanda Jones
Jolanda Jones, attorney and current state representative, says she’s running due to her own personal struggles, legislative grit, and a history of fighting for the underdog.
Jones says she’s not just running for Congress; she’s answering a call from her community.
When asked why she’s running for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, Jones doesn’t hesitate, “because my constituents asked me to. But also, because it’s personal.” Her campaign isn’t just about politics; it’s about lived experience. Jones’ father, a Vietnam veteran, returned home with PTSD but never received the care he needed from the Veterans Administration.
Read more about Jolanda Jones here.
6. Carmen Maria Montie
Montiel, who has lived in Houston since 1991, says she’s running because the city’s problems have persisted for decades despite its growth.
Born in Venezuela, Montiel has made Houston her home for more than three decades. A mother of three and an active member of several charitable organizations, she says she’s motivated by concern for the next generation.
Montiel says the American dream is slipping further out of reach for many families. If elected, Montiel says her top priorities will be infrastructure, affordable housing, and poverty.
