At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, thousands of people pack into tents for smoked meat, music and a good time. But for nearly 20 years, one tent has doubled as something more: a deliberate space for Black and Creole culture at one of the world’s biggest barbecue stages.

A crowded and closely watched special election runoff is underway in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, as former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards once again seeks a seat in Congress.

The Democrat's announcement comes a week after she lost to Christian Menefee in a special election runoff for the seat that had been vacant since the death of Sylvester Turner.

Texas’ 18th Congressional District officially has representation again after Christian Menefee was sworn in to Congress, ending a vacancy that lasted more than 330 days.

Voters in Texas' 18th District have had little break in a series of elections as the result of the Republican-controlled state Legislature's redrawing of congressional districts last year.

The 78-year-old Democrat is up against two younger opponents, including Rep.-elect Christian Menefee, in a district left vacant for 11 months after the death of Sylvester Turner.

The former Harris County attorney defeated Amanda Edwards in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. The two will face off again in the March 3 primary for a redrawn version of the district.

Voters in Texas' 18th Congressional District are participating in a special runoff election to fill a vacant seat after Rep. Sylvester Turner's passing. This election is crucial as it comes at a time when Republicans hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House, with significant pending legislation awaiting action. The district has been without representation for nearly a year, impacting their input on issues such as healthcare and veterans affairs. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the swearing-in timeline for the winner remains uncertain.

Democrat Christian Menefee has won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election that will narrow Republicans’ already-slim majority.

Harris County must extend early voting to Wednesday and Thursday for the 18th Congressional District runoff after polling locations closed for the winter storm.

Voters in Texas’s 18th Congressional District are encouraged to cast ballots in the runoff. Early voting hours adjusted due to an approaching winter storm.

After finishing third in November, Jolanda Jones makes her choice, endorsing Amanda Edwards in the TX-18 congressional runoff.

The Houston-based seat will have been without representation for about 11 months.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has set the date for the runoff election for Texas 18th Congressional District.

The race to fill Texas’ long-vacant 18th Congressional District seat is headed to a runoff, just before the start of a new election cycle.

The veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.

HFD tells 2 Investigates it's done buying environmentally friendly ambulances after report of issues that resulted in “reducing fleet readiness and response capacity.”

A Houston official and a former City Council member are headed to a runoff for the vacant U.S. House seat in a heavily Democratic district.

The runoff winner will serve out the term of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in office earlier this year. The seat will immediately be up for election again in 2026 for a full two-year term.

Voters in Texas’s 18th Congressional District have cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2025, to choose who will fill the vacant seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Donald Trump features prominently in state and local elections happening Tuesday, a year after he retook the White House.

Texans will vote on a large menu of constitutional amendments Tuesday.

Independent candidate George Foreman IV, an educator and workforce training advocate, says he’s running for Congress out of a sense of duty and a legacy of public service.

Carmen Maria Montiel, a businesswoman and former journalist, is running as the leading Republican candidate for Houston’s 18th Congressional District, aiming to address long-standing issues in the community.

City council voted to approve $12.4 million dollars for the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department to purchase dozens of new garbage and recycling trucks.

Hundreds of Texas residents gathered at the University of Houston today to speak directly to lawmakers about a controversial redistricting proposal that could reshape the state’s political map.

Texas Democrats on Thursday slammed the GOP's unusual push to redraw the state's House maps to win more seats ahead of the 2026 elections.

Texas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session that starts Monday.

In a TikTok video, Sade Perkins labeled the camp as "a white-only girls' Christian camp," sparking backlash.

Houston residents continue to face significant delays in recycling collection, with some areas reporting waits exceeding the city’s officially acknowledged seven-day delay period.

Jones, a Democrat elected to the Texas House in 2022 and previously served on the Houston City Council, joins a slate of candidates running to fill the solidly blue seat.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that the special election to fill the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's seat won’t be held until November.

A month after U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott finally issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 as the special election date to fill the 18th Congressional District seat.

The decision to wait until November means a narrowly divided Congress will be down a Democratic representative for most of 2025.

A month after U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott explains his reasoning on why he has delayed in calling for a special election to fill the seat representing parts of Houston, a Democratic stronghold, in Congress.

Owner Randy Hines teaches Tessa and Derrick his kolache-making techniques

Harris Co. Attorney Christian Menefee, who is running to replace late Rep. Sylvester Turner, will hold a news conference calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for the 18th congressional district.

The race to fill a Texas congressional seat has candidates but no election date more than three weeks after Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death left a vacancy in a stronghold for Democrats, who are eager to cut into Republicans’ narrow U.S. House majority.

Republicans hold a tiny majority in the House, creating an incentive for Abbott to hold off on calling an election for Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.

Houston City Controller Chris Hollins proposed renaming a stretch of Bagby Street to "Sylvester Turner Avenue" to honor the late Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away on March 15, 2025.

Following the passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is heating up as candidates step forward to fill the seat.

Edwards unsuccessfully ran for the seat twice last year. She faced off against U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in the 2024 Democratic primary. Jackson Lee won the primary but died before the general election, opening the party’s nomination anew

Menefee is backed by Erica Lee, late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter, who is serving as his campaign chairwoman.

The district has been a Democratic stronghold, held for decades by Sheila Jackson Lee and most recently by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died March 5.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M.

Turner died March 5 at the age of 70. He served as Houston’s 62nd mayor from 2016 to 2023.

"Don't mess with Medicaid." These words were among the last spoken by former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, a dedicated servant to the people.

Congressman Sylvester Turner’s cause of death has yet to be released, but it is known that he publicly shared his battle with bone cancer in 2022. Now, his loved ones, colleagues, and constituents are reflecting on the impact he made throughout his long career as a public servant.

Funeral arrangements for Sylvester Turner, the former Mayor of Houston and U.S. Representative, have been announced, with public viewings scheduled at Houston City Hall and the Texas State Capitol.

Turner died Wednesday at the age of 70. He served as Houston’s 62nd mayor from 2016 to 2023.

The city of Houston is mourning the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner, a dedicated leader who spent decades shaping the community he called home.

In Turner's honor, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered flags statewide to be flown at half-staff until March 8.

Representatives voted unanimously Thursday morning to have Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner lie in state at the Texas House of Representatives' Halls.

Houston city leaders and company executives are coming together to unveil new plans to reinvent downtown Houston’s convention district.

Jack Bailey was entrusted with the critical task of protecting the former mayor and congressman from the moment he assumed office as the 62nd Mayor of Houston.

Although we don't know Turner's cause of death, we do know that in 2022, the former mayor suffered a health scare when he was diagnosed with cancer.

When a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives dies in office, a formal process follows to ensure a smooth transition while honoring their legacy. This includes a period of mourning, official ceremonies, and a special election to fill the vacant seat.

Two months after being sworn into U.S. Congress, Rep. Sylvester Turner’s House seat will now be vacant after he passed away Wednesday at 70.

On Wednesday, the Houston community was shocked to learn of the sudden passing of U.S. Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

The 18th Congressional District of Texas is once again facing a leadership transition following the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner at age 70.

As the City of Houston continues to mourn the loss of U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, we’re taking a brief look back on key moments during his tenure as mayor.

Sylvester Turner's tenure as Houston's mayor was marked by significant initiatives and challenges.

As the city of Houston mourns and remembers Mayor Sylvester Turner, we wanted to highlight some memorable moments that made Houston proud. Turner never shied away from a moment to remind the world that Houston was in his blood.

Let's celebrate the memory of former mayor Turner by sharing your most cherished moments and photos with him.

Known for his three decades of public service, Turner was lauded by political figures and citizens for his leadership and advocacy.

“I’ve lost a personal friend,” a somber Mayor John Whitmire said before the City Council. “No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”

Turner’s death comes two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District, the seat long occupied by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who also died in office last year amid a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Houston and the nation mourn the loss of former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, who passed away at the age of 70.

Sylvester Turner, a former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative, passed away at 70, leaving a significant political legacy.

An affordable housing project in Houston’s Independence Heights neighborhood is back on after being temporarily paused.

Hundreds of people have reached out, eager for more details about the Houston waterline corruption scandal first exposed by KPRC 2 Investigates. Investigator Amy Davis is delving into the investigation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal case and addressing your questions.

Harris County officials, including Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Congressman Sylvester Turner, will address the public about the EPA's findings of dioxin contamination at the Julia C. Hester House in Fifth Ward.

Five Texans were newly elected to Congress this year, four of whom are set to serve in January.

Thanksgiving hasn’t even passed, but the City of Houston is already excited to announce plans for its annual holiday tradition.

Jackson Lee’s children endorsed Sylvester Turner to succeed their mother, who also emphasized his commitment to continuing Jackson Lee’s legacy of service while providing stability during the transition.

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner wins election to U.S. House in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

On Tuesday, KPRC 2 investigates was on the scene on Houston’s East End as federal investigators started their second day of digging into the grounds along Buffalo Bayou.

A KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has exposed a series of questionable contracts and projects, prompting calls for accountability from the public. Now, Investigator Amy Davis uncovered changes to the CEO’s contract before the old one expired.

Carter will run against two Republicans for her mother’s seat to hold for a few weeks before the winner of the general election takes over.

Sylvester Turner, Democratic nominee for Sheila Jackson Lee's U.S. House seat, vows to push the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act forward. The bill aims to reform police practices and accountability.

Houston’s former mayor is the Democrats’ pick to succeed the late Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot.

Harris County Democratic leaders made their choice to represent the party in the November election.

Five candidates are vying for the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s 18th Congressional District seat in Houston. #HoustonPolitics #18thDistrict #SpecialElection

The race to succeed the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for the 18th U.S. Congressional District of Texas is intensifying, with several prominent candidates declaring their intentions to run.

Because Jackson Lee died after winning the Democratic primary, Texas Democratic officials will get to decide who replaces her on the November ballot.

The race to succeed the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for the 18th U.S. Congressional District of Texas is intensifying, with several prominent candidates declaring their intentions to run.

"To the residents of Houston, I leave with a full heart of gratitude for the memories and experiences we have shared," Peña wrote on social media. "It has been an honor and privilege, and I thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your Fire Chief."

At least three Democrats are considering bids for the Houston-area seat. But Texas Democratic officials — not voters — will decide who will be on the November ballot.

Some notable names are talking with KRPC 2 Investigates about putting their name in for the 18th District.

It's the largest anime convention in Texas and the second-largest in the U.S., bringing together a combination of fun for anime lovers and highlighting Japanese and pop culture. Thousands of guests are expected to attend; former Mayor Sylvester Turner attended last year in costume!

The Pappas family, operators of Pappas Restaurants, lost their longstanding concessions contract at Houston's Hobby Airport to Areas JV, a Miami-based company, following a contentious bidding process. But the court battle seems far from over.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire responds to corruption charges against seven people in a city water line repair scandal uncovered during KPRC 2's 'DRAINED' investigation.

Big developments stemming from the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation into the City of Houston water department.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham met with Houston City Council Tuesday to address the hundreds of people who are owed relocation assistance.

Houston’s water rates are going up again in less than two weeks on April 1st. It’s the fourth increase since September of 2021. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains how much you can expect your bill to increase and what the city is doing with the extra money.

Another prominent position within the City of Houston is now a vacant seat that needs to be filled. Chief Economic Development Officer Andy Icken tendered his resignation.

During a city council meeting Tuesday afternoon, newly-elected mayor John Whitmire addressed the ongoing water issues in Houston.

Former top aide to Mayor Turner, William-Paul Thomas, has been sentenced to over 1 year in prison. Learn more about the case and Thomas' illegal dealings while working in Turner's office.

The former Director of Houston City Council Relations William-Paul Thomas was sentenced to federal court on Monday.

Former Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas is getting Sentenced