Christian Menefee sworn in after winning Texas's Congressional District 18 special election

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Christian Menefee was sworn in to the House of Representatives after winning a special election to fill the vacant Texas's Congressional District 18.

Menefee was sworn in on his childhood bible by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Monday in Washington, D.C., just days after winning the runoff race over the weekend.

Menefee, who ended his five-year run as Harris County Attorney earlier this year, ran against former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards.

Menefee will serve for about one year, filling the term left by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025, two months after taking office. Turner replaced Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who died while in office in 2024.

The seat representing the heavily Democratic Houston-based district has been vacant for nearly a year.

Menefee will soon be on the campaign trail again, as another election lies ahead next month. Menfee will be facing Edwards again, as well as Democratic Rep. Al Green, in the Democratic primary race for the newly drawn 18th congressional district, with that full term starting in 2027.