AUSTIN (KXAN)– Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones announced Monday her campaign for Congress, seeking to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death earlier this year.
The Houston Democrat becomes the latest candidate to enter what has become a competitive race for the 18th Congressional District, joining Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, energy executive Zoe Cadore, realtor Peter Filler, community advocate Robert Slater and independent candidates Reyna Anderson and Chance Davis.
Jones emphasized her commitment to protecting federal programs and constitutional freedoms in her campaign launch, positioning herself as an experienced advocate ready to confront Republican policy initiatives in Washington.
The Nov. 4 special election will determine Turner’s replacement in a district considered safely Democratic. Turner died in March after serving just two months of his first term. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee previously held the seat before her death in 2024.
Gov. Greg Abbott faced criticism from Democrats for waiting to schedule the special election until the November uniform election date, leaving the district without representation for nine months. However the extended timeline allowed Jones to complete the legislative session before launching her congressional campaign, as she had pledged to focus on her state house duties until the session concluded.
Menefee criticized the governor’s decision, stating it was “unconscionable to leave nearly 800,000 people in this district without representation in Congress for most of the year.”
Abbott defended the timeline, citing concerns about Harris County’s election administration capabilities, though county officials disputed his characterization of their election operations.
Political Experience
Jones brings diverse government experience to the congressional race. She has represented House District 147 at the State Capitol since winning the election in 2022, where she worked on criminal justice, health policy and redistricting issues.
Before her legislative service, Jones spent four years on Houston City Council representing an at-large position from 2008-2012. She also served on the Houston Independent School District school board.
The veteran attorney waited until the end of the legislative session to announce her congressional campaign, citing her responsibility to current constituents in the state house.
Her legal practice spans more than two decades, during which she worked on high-profile cases including efforts to reform Houston’s police crime laboratory following evidence handling problems.
Policy Platform
In Congress, Jones said she would prioritize defending social programs, including Social Security and Medicare from potential reductions. She also plans to advocate for expanded healthcare access and reproductive rights restoration.
The candidate emphasized her long-standing advocacy for women’s healthcare autonomy and pledged to work toward reversing federal abortion restrictions.
Veterans’ benefits protection and education funding would also receive focus under her congressional agenda, along with infrastructure investments for the Houston region.
Competitive Field
Several Democrats have already launched campaigns for the seat:
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee entered the race first, securing support from former congressional candidates Colin Allred and Beto O’Rourke. Lee’s daughter, Erica Lee Carter, chairs his campaign organization.
Former city council member Amanda Edwards brings municipal government experience and private sector leadership as head of a community solutions consulting firm. She spearheaded Houston’s technology innovation initiatives during her council tenure and maintains extensive nonprofit board involvement.
Energy industry executive Zoe Cadore is running after serving as a federal affairs director for Calpine Corporation. Her background includes policy work with the American Petroleum Institute and involvement in Turner’s mayoral administration.
Peter Filler, a real estate professional with environmental science training, offers urban forestry expertise and Texas teaching credentials to the race.
Robert Slater campaigns on economic revitalization and public safety improvements, drawing from personal experiences growing up in underserved Houston communities.
Independent candidates Chance Davis and Reyna Anderson, running under the “Other” party designation, round out the field.
District Stakes
The 18th District encompasses some of Houston’s most politically active communities and serves as a crucial Democratic stronghold in Texas. With Republicans holding a narrow House majority, maintaining the seat remains important for Democratic legislative priorities.
The extended vacancy has left constituents without representation during key congressional debates over federal spending and policy initiatives.
Jones’ candidacy adds state-level legislative experience to a field dominated by local government veterans and private sector professionals, potentially appealing to voters seeking Austin connections for federal advocacy.