In a major upset, Democrat Christian Menefee has emerged victorious in the special election for Texas's 10th congressional district, effectively narrowing the Republican majority in the US House of Representatives. The win comes as a significant blow to President Donald Trump, who was directly addressed by Menefee in his victory speech, stating that the district's long-standing Democratic presence is a "mandate" to oppose Trump's agenda and investigate potential crimes.
Menefee, a 37-year-old Harris County attorney, defeated Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member, in a runoff election after no candidate won a majority of the vote in the primary. Menefee campaigned on a platform of universal health insurance, impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and tearing apart ICE operations.
Edwards, 44, had been endorsed by prominent Democrats including former congressman Beto O'Rourke and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, but ultimately fell short of securing the seat that has been vacant for nearly a year since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner in March 2025. Edwards had run a strong campaign, emphasizing her commitment to creating a community where every individual can thrive, with access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
The special election was marred by controversy over the timing of the vote, which was initially scheduled for November but was delayed until Saturday due to Governor Greg Abbott's decision. Democrats criticized the delay as an attempt to give Republicans a slight advantage in the House.
Menefee will now fill the remainder of Turner's term, which ends in January 2027. The win is a significant victory for Democrats, who have been seeking to expand their majority in the House and counter Trump's influence over Republican lawmakers.
Menefee, a 37-year-old Harris County attorney, defeated Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member, in a runoff election after no candidate won a majority of the vote in the primary. Menefee campaigned on a platform of universal health insurance, impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and tearing apart ICE operations.
Edwards, 44, had been endorsed by prominent Democrats including former congressman Beto O'Rourke and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, but ultimately fell short of securing the seat that has been vacant for nearly a year since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner in March 2025. Edwards had run a strong campaign, emphasizing her commitment to creating a community where every individual can thrive, with access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
The special election was marred by controversy over the timing of the vote, which was initially scheduled for November but was delayed until Saturday due to Governor Greg Abbott's decision. Democrats criticized the delay as an attempt to give Republicans a slight advantage in the House.
Menefee will now fill the remainder of Turner's term, which ends in January 2027. The win is a significant victory for Democrats, who have been seeking to expand their majority in the House and counter Trump's influence over Republican lawmakers.