Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has scheduled a special election for Nov. 4 to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.
Turner passed away on March 5, just two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District. With the seat left unfilled for at least seven months, Democrats have criticized Abbott for delaying the vote, accusing him of trying to protect the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House.
Without Turner, Republicans hold a 220-213 advantage in the House, meaning they can afford up to three defections and still pass legislation. If a Democrat wins the seat, as expected in the solidly blue district, the margin narrows, leaving Republicans with less room for internal dissent.
Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Harris County officials, had urged Abbott to hold the election sooner, with some threatening legal action. Christian Menefee, acting Harris County attorney and a Democratic candidate for the seat, called the delay unacceptable, noting the district will go without representation during critical events like hurricane season and budget negotiations.
Abbott defended the decision, citing past election issues in Harris County and arguing that the county needs time to prepare. He said rushing the process could compromise election integrity. However, local officials, including Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, disputed that claim, pointing to recent improvements under her leadership.
Turner was elected last year after the death of longtime Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Among the Democrats running to replace him are former City Council member Amanda Edwards, who narrowly lost the party nomination to Turner, and Isaiah Martin, a former staffer for Jackson Lee.
Critics noted that Abbott moved more swiftly to fill seats in past cases, such as after the deaths of U.S. Reps. Ron Wright and Jackson Lee, and following the resignation of Rep. Blake Farenthold. They argue the delayed timeline for this election reflects partisan decision-making, not logistical concerns.