House Democrats are poised to gain another member following a runoff election Saturday in Texas.
Christian Menefee, the Harris County attorney, placed first in the initial election for the seat in November. But he did not get more than 50 percent of the votes, so he and Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member, are facing off in a runoff in the 18th District.
The race was necessary after last year’s death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D), who had been elected just months prior. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) scheduled the race in the reliably Democratic district for as late as possible.
Since he election to county attorney in 2021, Menefee has filed a number of environmental lawsuits, including against railroad Union Pacific over creosote pollution.
