Texas's 18th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Texas. It includes much of inner-city Houston and the surrounding area and has been the Downtown Houston district since 1973. The district is represented by Democrat Christian Menefee, who was sworn in on February 2, 2026, after being elected in a January 2026 special election runoff following the death of Democrat Sylvester Turner.[5]
The district was represented during the 1970s by Barbara Jordan, the first black woman elected to Congress from the South, who was praised by many for her powerful presence and oratorical skills.[6] The district was represented by Sheila Jackson Lee from 1995 until her death in 2024, when the seat became vacant. Her daughter, Erica Lee Carter succeeded her for the unexpired term.[7] Former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner then succeeded Carter before his death on March 5, 2025. A special election was held on November 4, 2025, followed by a runoff on January 31, 2026, which was won by Christian Menefee.[8]
Since the district was moved to Houston in 1972, it has voted for a Democrat in every presidential election. The district gave George McGovern 69% in 1972 and Walter Mondale 72% in 1984.
In popular culture
In the TV series The West Wing, Texas's 18th congressional district was represented by fictional Democratic presidential candidate Matt Santos.
For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains all or portions of the following counties and communities:[11]
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