HOUSTON – When State Rep. Jolanda Jones conceded in the November election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, many of her supporters were left with a simple question, who now?
Jones answered that question this week, announcing her endorsement of former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards to fill the late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s seat.
Recommended Videos
The endorsement comes as Edwards and Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee head to a January 31 special election runoff, following a crowded 16-candidate field that failed to produce a majority winner. Menefee finished first with roughly 28.9% of the vote, Edwards followed closely at about 25.5%, and Jones secured approximately 19.1%.
“I unequivocally endorse Amanda Edwards,” Jones said. “I saw skills, hard and soft skills, that I think will be best suited to go against Trump. And also, as a woman, I trust Black women. It’s that simple. Amanda showed me nothing in this race that made me doubt she would be the best representative for us.”
Jones also alluded to tensions during the campaign, contrasting Edwards’ approach with that of other candidates.
“There were things that happened in the campaign that were antagonistic and confrontational,” Jones said. “Amanda was a person who didn’t let that get into her head.”
She said both women faced misogyny in the lead-up to the November election.
“The misogyny in this race that we both faced. I can’t even describe it,” Jones said. “People were describing Amanda in ways that, if you were a guy, there’s no way they’d ever do it. And she just kept trudging.”
Jones pointed to criticism Edwards received over wearing heels while campaigning as one example.
“At the end of the day, what I don’t think people saw was that she was still campaigning,” Jones said during a virtual press conference. “What difference does it make that she was campaigning in heels? That’s a ‘I want to crucify you for being a woman’ thing.”
Jones also praised Edwards’ independence.
“One thing I learned about Amanda that impressed me is she’s independent,” Jones said. “She’s not a pawn of anybody. She’s not a puppet. She’s not establishment. In fact, we both had to go against the establishment.”
Ultimately, Jones said her endorsement was driven by confidence in Edwards’ ability to withstand national political pressure.
“I trust that Amanda will withstand whatever Trump throws at her,” Jones said. “I saw her withstand things, just as I withstood things during this campaign.”
Edwards welcomed the endorsement, praising Jones’ record of service and emphasizing their shared commitment to women and working families.
“This moment in time is bigger than any one individual,” Edwards said. “We’re on a mission to really deliver the results that this community deserves, and I’m so grateful.”
- ELECTION RESULTS: Results for Texas 18th Congressional District special election