Christian Menefee files for congressional seat after Turner's death

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has officially filed to run for the congressional seat left vacant by the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who passed away on March 5, 2025. Menefee, who is 37 and currently serves as the chief lawyer for Texas' most populous county, submitted his candidacy hours after attending Turner's memorial service. The special election date to fill the 18th Congressional District seat has not yet been set by Governor Greg Abbott, but such elections are typically called within two months of a vacancy. Menefee, who was first elected as Harris County Attorney in 2020, is running as a Democrat and has a track record of advocating for environmental justice and voting rights. Turner's death marks a significant moment as he had recently assumed the congressional role, succeeding former Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The race to replace Turner will be the second election for this seat within a year, highlighting the district's recent political upheaval.