Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Congressman Al Green Call on Governor Abbott to Immediately Schedule Runoff Election for Texas's 18th Congressional District

HOUSTON, T.X. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) and Congressman Al Green (D-TX-09) led the Texas democratic delegation in calling on Governor Greg Abbott to promptly schedule and hold the runoff election for Texas's 18th Congressional District. The letter calls for immediate action to restore full representation for nearly one million Houstonians who have been without a Member of Congress for more than eight months following the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner in March 2025.

The lawmakers emphasized that the prolonged vacancy has left constituents without access to essential casework services and has limited their ability to receive federal assistance. The special election to fill the vacancy was not held until November 4th, further extending the period during which residents have gone without a fully functioning congressional office.

"Every day this seat stays vacant is another day nearly one million Texans are denied their voice in Congress. This delay is unacceptable. Governor Abbott has a responsibility to act quickly so that Houston families can get the representation and federal resources they deserve. The 18th District has a proud history, and it's time to give its people their seat at the table again," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.

"I am proud to co-lead this letter with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia because, as you may be aware, presently there is an election being considered for the 18th Congressional District to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Sylvester Turner. I strongly encourage the governor to have the runoff date for that election set as expeditiously as possible. While I and other members have been assisting constituents of the current 18th Congressional District, there should be an elected congressperson to serve the unexpired term of Congressman Sylvester Turner," said Congressman Al Green.

The 18th Congressional District is one of the most historic in Texas, encompassing central and northern Houston communities that rely on federal partnerships to deliver resources to small businesses, veterans, and working families. Without an elected representative, constituents remain unable to fully access federal programs that support their daily lives and local economies.

To read the full text of the letter, click HERE.

In addition to Reps. Garcia and Green, the letter was signed by Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Jasmine Crocket (D-TX-30), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34).