TX-18: Early voting begins for special election runoff in Texas' 18th Congressional District.

[RandySF]

HOUSTON – Early voting begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, for the special election runoff in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, both Democrats, were the top two finishers in the Nov. 4 special election. They led the 16-candidate field but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff.

Menefee finished first with 28.9% of the vote, followed closely by Edwards with 25.6%.

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting to help avoid long lines.



https://www.click2houston.com/news/politics/2026/01/20/early-voting-begins-for-special-election-runoff-in-texas-18th-congressional-district-everything-you-need-to-know/

[RobertDevereaux]

1. I asked Google which is the stronger progressive...

While both are considered progressive Democrats in Texas, Christian Menefee is generally seen as more aligned with the progressive wing, emphasizing criminal justice reform, while Amanda Edwards, a former City Council member, often presents a slightly more moderate stance with strong business ties, though they are both significant figures within the Texas Democratic Party, competing in races like the 2025 Houston Democratic runoff.

Christian Menefee's Progressive Stance:
Aligned with criminal justice reform efforts in Houston.
Ran as a progressive in the 2025 runoff.

Amanda Edwards' Profile:
Has a more moderate profile compared to some progressives.
Strong ties to the Houston business community.
Previously ran for U.S. Senate.

In essence: Menefee leans further left on specific reform issues, while Edwards balances progressive goals with broader appeal and business support, making Menefee the "stronger" progressive in a traditional sense, according to analysis of the 2025 runoff.

[RobertDevereaux]

2. Would any Texan care to comment?