{"id":2564366,"date":"2026-02-03T20:48:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrat-rep-christian-menefee-sworn-in-to-fill-late-rep-turners-house-seat-after-winning-texas-special-runoff-election\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T20:50:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:50:45","slug":"democrat-rep-christian-menefee-sworn-in-to-fill-late-rep-turners-house-seat-after-winning-texas-special-runoff-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrat-rep-christian-menefee-sworn-in-to-fill-late-rep-turners-house-seat-after-winning-texas-special-runoff-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Democrat Rep. Christian Menefee sworn in to fill late Rep. Turner\u2019s House seat after winning Texas Special Runoff election"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">38<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdemocrat-rep-christian-menefee-sworn-in-to-fill-late-rep-turners-house-seat-after-winning-texas-special-runoff-election%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2564366&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Democrat Christian Menefee was sworn in to Texas\u2019s 18th Congressional District to serve teh remainder of the term through January 2027, filling the vacancy left by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner. He won the January runoff against Amanda Edwards amid very low turnout (about 24,000 votes cast in the runoff, wiht fewer than 14,000 early\/mail ballots) and has earned endorsements from figures like Beto O\u2019Rourke and Jasmine crockett. The district, centered in inner Houston, is reliably Democratic, and the House remains narrowly divided at 218\u2013214, meaning two GOP defections could block party-line legislation.<\/p>\n<p>Menefee campaigned on worldwide health care and the dismantling of ICE, and he invoked Barbara Jordan\u2019s influence to frame his opposition to the Trump management, including a pledge to seek impeaching DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. A March 3 Democratic primary will determine who represents the redrawn district for the full term, pitting edwards against Menefee with Rep. Al Green also in the race. The <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >initial special-election round<\/a> in November 2025 featured 16 candidates, with Menefee leading Edwards 28.9% to 25.6%.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"post-759141\">\n<div>\n<figure><figcaption>U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) swears in Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX) (R) while his wife Kaitlyn Menefee holds the bible at the U.S. Capitol on February 02, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Heather Diehl\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>OAN Staff&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/tag\/cory-hawkins\">Cory Hawkins<\/a>&nbsp;and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/tag\/brooke-mallory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brooke Mallory<\/a><br \/>5:30 PM &ndash; Tuesday, February 2, 2026<\/p>\n<p>After winning Saturday&rsquo;s special runoff to succeed the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, Texas Democrat Christian Menefee was sworn in on Monday to serve the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2027, ending nearly a year-long vacancy caused by Turner&rsquo;s passing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/texas-democrat-rep-sylvester-turner-passes-at-70\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/texas-democrat-rep-sylvester-turner-passes-at-70\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Turner died<\/a> in March 2025 at the age of 70, leaving his seat empty. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been more than 330 days since the people of the 18th Congressional District had representation, had a voice in Congress,&rdquo; Menefee said after being sworn in. &ldquo;When this body took on important votes about whether to cut[SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)benefitsaboutwhethertomakeitmoredifficulttoaccessMedicaidimportantissuesthisdistricthadnovoiceinCongresssothisoneisforthe18[SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)benefitsaboutwhethertomakeitmoredifficulttoaccessMedicaidimportantissuesthisdistricthadnovoiceinCongresssothisoneisforthe18<sup>th<\/sup>.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Texas&rsquo;s 18<sup>th<\/sup> Congressional District is a reliably Democrat region, anchored in inner-city Houston and surrounding neighborhoods. It has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/uncovered-conman-with-long-history-of-deceit-dennis-montgomery-inserted-false-information-into-election-fraud-investigation-whos-paying-him\/\" title=\"UNCOVERED: Conman With Long History of Deceit, Dennis Montgomery, Inserted False Information Into ... Fraud Investigation, Who\u2019s Paying Him?\">long track record<\/a> of voting blue, having supported Democrat presidential candidates in every election since the 1970s.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, with the House currently standing at 218&ndash;214, the Republican majority faces a strict &ldquo;margin of one.&rdquo; While the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mcconnell-highlights-bidens-failures-eyes-gop-victory\/\" title=\"McConnell highlights Biden\u2019s failures, eyes GOP victory\">recent special election<\/a> merely filled a Democrat vacancy, rather than shifting a seat across the aisle, it solidifies the opposition&rsquo;s numbers. Consequently, any two GOP defections would be enough to tank party-line legislation.<\/p>\n<p>Menefee claimed victory over Democrat Amanda Edwards on a platform centered on universal (taxpayer-funded) health insurance and the dismantling of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Targeting the Trump administration&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fewer-than-30k-illegals-were-deported-in-2022\/\" title=\"In 2022, fewer than 30k illegals were deported\">immigration enforcement operations<\/a>, he vowed to seek the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. <\/p>\n<p>Menefee then sharpened his rhetoric by drawing a historical parallel to Barbara Jordan, the first Southern Black woman to serve in the U.S. House. Citing her influence during the Nixon impeachment inquiry, he used the precedent to highlight his own opposition to the Trump administration. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&ldquo;The results here tonight are a mandate for me to work as hard as I can to oppose your agenda, to fight back against where you&rsquo;re taking this country, and to investigate your crimes,&rdquo; Menefee declared.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) originally sought to delay the special election, arguing that a six-month window was necessary for administrative preparation following Turner&rsquo;s death. However, Democrats blasted the move as a stall tactic intended to maintain a larger Republican voting cushion in the House during a period of high-stakes legislation.<\/p>\n<p>37-year-old Menefee entered the race with the full backing of the Texas Democrat establishment, earning endorsements from figures such as former congressman Beto O&rsquo;Rourke and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/crockett-launches-bid-for-senate-seat-debuts-campaign-video-featuring-excerpts-of-trump-calling-her-low-iq\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/crockett-launches-bid-for-senate-seat-debuts-campaign-video-featuring-excerpts-of-trump-calling-her-low-iq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Senate candidate Rep. Jasmine Crockett<\/a>, who campaigned alongside him on election day. <\/p>\n<p>Menefee secured the seat with approximately 67% of the vote, though the contest was characterized by remarkably low turnout, with fewer than 14,000 early and mail-in ballots cast. <\/p>\n<p>Menefee and Edwards are set for an immediate rematch on March 3<sup>rd<\/sup> in the Democrat primary for a redrawn version of the 18<sup>th<\/sup> District. This next contest, however, introduces a third player, longtime incumbent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/house-in-turmoil-10-democrats-join-gop-to-censure-al-green\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/house-in-turmoil-10-democrats-join-gop-to-censure-al-green\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rep. Al Green (D-Texas)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Long before this contest, Green had already built a notable &mdash; and unsuccessful &mdash; record on one specific issue. Green has introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/texas-rep-al-green-announces-plans-to-introduce-his-5th-impeachment-attempt-against-trump\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/newsroom\/texas-rep-al-green-announces-plans-to-introduce-his-5th-impeachment-attempt-against-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">at least five impeachment resolutions<\/a> against Trump throughout his two terms, none of which ever made it out of the starting gate. Green opted to run for the full 2027 term in this district after his current 9<sup>th<\/sup> District seat was significantly altered by mid-decade redistricting. This primary will effectively decide who represents the deep-blue stronghold for the full two-year term beginning in January 2027.<\/p>\n<p>The road to this point began with the special election&rsquo;s first round in November 2025, which featured a crowded field of 16 candidates from across the political spectrum. <\/p>\n<p>Menefee and Edwards advanced to the runoff after leading the pack with 28.9% and 25.6% of the vote, respectively. While the initial round saw broader engagement, the January runoff saw a drop in participation, with a total of approximately 24,000 votes cast to decide the immediate successor for the seat.<\/p>\n<p>Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/alerts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.oann.com\/alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oann.com\/#\" onclick=\"document.getElementById('disqus_thread').scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth' }); return false;\">        <\/p>\n<p>What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!<\/p>\n<p>  <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3>Sponsored Content Below<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas Democrat Christian Menefee was sworn into the U.S. House on Monday to fill the remainder of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner\u2019s term after winning a Saturday runoff. Turner died in March 2025 at age 70, leaving the 18th District without representation for more than 330 days. Menefee said the district now has a voice on issues like SNAP benefits and Medicaid access, stressing that the 18th District\u2014anchored in inner Houston\u2014has long leaned Democratic and has backed Democratic presidential candidates since the 1970s.<\/p>\n<p>With the House at 218\u2013214 in favor of Republicans, the majority\u2019s margin is razor-thin, meaning two GOP defections could stall party-line legislation. Menefee campaigned on universal health insurance and dismantling ICE, and even called for impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, invoking Barbara Jordan\u2019s legacy to frame his opposition to the Trump administration. Abbott had sought to delay the special election, a tactic Democrats labeled a stall to protect the GOP\u2019s voting cushion during high-stakes votes.<\/p>\n<p>Menefee won about 67% of the vote in a low-turnout race with under 14,000 early or mail ballots. He and Amanda Edwards are set for an immediate rematch on March 3 in the Democratic primary for a redrawn 18th District, which will include a third candidate, longtime Rep. Al Green. Green has previously filed impeachment resolutions against Trump, and he is running for the full 2027 term after redistricting. The primary will effectively decide the district\u2019s representative for the two-year term beginning in January 2027. The race began in November 2025 with 16 candidates, and the runoff drew roughly 24,000 votes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4148,"featured_media":2564367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2259120751-e1770160519113.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[542,33651],"tags":[72662,4912,72896,72895,3694],"class_list":["post-2564366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oann","category-the-western-journal","tag-christian-menefee-2","tag-democrat","tag-house-seat-2","tag-special-election-2","tag-texas"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.oann.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2259120751-e1770160519113.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4148"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2564366"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2564370,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564366\/revisions\/2564370"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2564367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2564366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2564366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2564366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}