Residents in Houston City Council District C are casting their ballots on Saturday in a special election to fill a vacant seat representing a large swath of the city, from the Heights through Montrose to Meyerland.
Seven candidates are on the ballot in the heavily Democratic district: Angelica Luna Kaufman, Sophia Campos, Audrey Nath, Laura C. Gallier, Patrick Oathout, Joe Panzarella, and Nick Hellyar.
The special election was triggered after former council member Abbie Kamin resigned to run for Harris County attorney.
Voters can cast ballots at 20 voting locations across the district, including the Harris County Attorney Conference Center, Bayland Park Community Center, Candlelight Park Community Center, Courtyard by Marriott West University, Metropolitan Multi-Service Center and SPJST Lodge 88. Polling sites will be open through 7 p.m.
- BakerRipley Aberdeen: 3838 Aberdeen Way Houston, TX 77025
- Bayland Park Community Center: 6400 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77074
- Candlelight Park Community Center: 1520 Candlelight Lane Houston, TX 77018
- Courtyard by Marriott West University: 2929 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77005
- Godwin Park Community Center: 5101 Rutherglenn Drive Houston, TX 77096
- Gregory Lincoln Education Center: 1101 Taft Street Houston, TX 77019
- Hampton Inn and Suites Katy Freeway: 5820 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77007
- Harris County Attorney Conference Center: 1019 Congress Avenue Houston, TX 77002
- Heights High School Gym: 560 East 14th Street Houston, TX 77008
- Love Park Community Center: 1000 West 12th Street Houston, TX 77008
- Memorial Elementary School: 6401 Arnot Street Houston, TX 77007
- Metropolitan MultiService Center: 1475 West Gray Street Houston, TX 77019
- Parker Elementary School: 10626 Atwell Drive Houston, TX 77096
- Rice University Welcome Center: 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005
- River Oaks Recreation Center: 3600 Locke Lane Houston, TX 77027
- SPJST Lodge 88: 1435 Beall Street Houston, TX 77008
- The Rice School: 7550 Seuss Drive Houston, TX 77025
- Wainwright Elementary School: 5330 Milwee Street Houston, TX 77092
- Waltrip High School: 1900 West 34th Street Houston, TX 77018
- West End MultiService Center: 170 Heights Boulevard Houston, TX 77007
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the race will advance to a runoff election.
The contest is part of a busy election cycle for many Houston-area voters, particularly those who also reside in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Additional runoff elections are scheduled for May 26, including the Republican U.S. Senate runoff between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, the Democratic primary runoff for Harris County judge between Annise Parker and Letitia Plummer, and the Democratic runoff in Congressional District 18 between Christian Menefee and Al Green.
For District C residents, the coming weeks could mean multiple trips to the polls as voters weigh in on local and statewide races. Election officials encourage voters to check polling locations and hours before heading out.
Local leaders and election officials continue to emphasize the importance of participation, noting that even low-turnout races can have a significant impact on community representation and policy decisions.
For more on the District C special election, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.