Texans are heading to the polls today to weigh in on 17 proposed changes to the state Constitution and fill vacant seats in Congress and the state Senate. The off-year election is expected to draw lower turnout despite high-stakes measures on taxes, water, and criminal justice.
18th Congressional District Special Election
Voters in Houston’s 18th Congressional District are selecting a successor to the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March. With 16 candidates in the crowded field, a runoff is almost certain. Leading Democratic contenders include Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, and State Rep. Jolanda Jones.
The heavily Democratic district, known for producing political figures like Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee, could see its dynamics shift after redistricting moves much of its territory to southern and northeastern Harris County.
Senate District 9 Special Election
In North Texas, voters will fill the state Senate seat vacated by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Republicans Leigh Wambsganss, backed by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, and former Southlake Mayor John Huffman are the leading contenders in the solidly conservative district. Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a union leader and Air Force veteran, is running an uphill campaign centered on working-class issues.
If a Republican wins, as expected, the state Senate will have 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats, with one vacancy remaining in a Conroe-area district.
Key Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot
Seventeen proposed amendments could reshape Texas policy on taxes, infrastructure, and criminal justice. Several aim to lower property taxes, including Proposition 13, which raises the homestead exemption for school taxes from $100,000 to $140,000 — a change that could save the average homeowner nearly $500 annually.
Proposition 4 would allocate $20 billion over 20 years to fund statewide water projects, while Proposition 3 would require judges to deny bail for certain violent felonies if public safety is at risk.
Proposition 12 seeks to restructure the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, granting Gov. Greg Abbott a majority of appointments, and Proposition 14 would create a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Low Turnout but High Impact
More than one million Texans cast ballots during early voting, but overall turnout is expected to remain modest. The election’s results will determine not only who fills key vacancies but also the direction of Texas policy for years to come.
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