Texas’ 18th Congressional District needs your attention. The district, which includes downtown, major universities, an international airport, much of inner-city Houston and parts of its northern suburbs, needs representation in Congress now. The district’s nearly 800,000 residents currently stand without representation in the U.S. House.
This vacancy follows the untimely passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner on March 5, 2025, merely weeks after he succeeded the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who also passed away in July 2024. If a special election is not called at all, the district could face nearly two additional years without representation in addition to what the district experienced in 2024 in concert with the loss of Congresswoman Jackson Lee.
The absence of a congressional member has caused the district to go without its federal voice and vote, policymaking ability, and federal funding advocate for this district, which underscores the critical need for a special election. Texas Governor Greg Abbott must place people over politics and ensure all community members are represented at the federal level and call a special election today.
I was born and raised in this district and still live there today. The 18th Congressional District’s rich history touts Emancipation Park in the Third Ward, where the celebration of Juneteenth was born. This district is home to the historic Freedman’s Town and is a beacon of the future with the Innovation District. This district has been led by Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvester Turner. It is a community I love with all my heart. It is the place where my parents met at Texas Southern University. It is the place where my uncle’s shoe shop used to be. It is the place where I was educated, played sports, and attended church. It is rooted inside of me.
The timing of this congressional vacancy could not be more significant, given the current composition of the House. Republicans hold a narrow majority with 218 seats to the Democrats’ 213, with four seats presently vacant. Every seat holds substantial weight in legislative decisions, and filling the vacancy in Texas’ 18th District is imperative to address pressing issues such as safeguarding Social Security and Medicaid.
There is too much at stake for this district and our country. The fight for the heart and soul of TX-18 is personal for me. Our basic rights to healthcare, education and economic opportunity—are under attack. Our economic future is at risk. Our history is being erased.
As hurricane season approaches, the district faces heightened concerns regarding disaster preparedness and federal response. As a City Council Member, I was on the ground organizing following Hurricane Harvey in 2017 (the 2nd worst disaster in U.S. history at that time), providing ongoing relief efforts for Houston’s most vulnerable. We went door-to-door, canvassing hundreds of households in areas with high concentrations of low-income seniors. I saw first-hand how critical it is for local, state and federal agencies to work together to ensure vulnerable populations don’t become further victimized through bureaucratic red tape. We cannot be unprepared for our next storm event by not having our full Congressional delegation at work. We must fill this seat.
Beyond votes in Congress, the absence of a representative also means TX-18 is missing critical federal advocacy for funding that supports the backbone of our local economy. Our district is home to major national assets, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – which is one of the nation’s busiest international airports, requiring strong federal partnerships for infrastructure, security, and expansion. Additionally, downtown Houston and major institutions of higher education need strong federal support to thrive. Without a voting member in Congress, our district risks losing out on crucial investments that drive job creation, education and economic growth.
This moment presents an opportunity to embrace fresh leadership that embodies the values and aspirations of our community. As a candidate for the 18th Congressional District, I am committed to bringing dynamic and responsive representation to Congress, ensuring that the voices of our constituents are heard and heeded. At the same time, I will bring a fresh perspective, innovative solutions and a new energy for the next leg of our journey. Our district has been shaped by legendary leaders, like the indomitable Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who fought for what’s right, who inspired change and who never backed down from a challenge. I seek to continue this legacy.
Filling this vacancy is not just important for Texas; it will impact the nation. We need everyone across the country to galvanize and demand Texas Governor Abbott fulfill his duty in calling a special election so that the constituents within the district may have their right to representation restored.
Amanda K. Edwards is a native Houstonian, former At-Large City Council Member, attorney and founder of a community non-profit that empowers various groups from seniors to women. She is running for Congress in Texas’ 18th district.
Note: This article reflects the opinions and views of the author.
