At a press conference Wednesday, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said House Democrats are “very likely” to sue Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over his failure to call a special election to fill the vacant 18th Congressional District seat, previously held by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Jeffries made the remarks at the end of a 30-minute media briefing, responding to a reporter’s question about whether he believed Abbott was intentionally dragging his feet to avoid filling the seat. “Yes — and very likely yes,” Jeffries replied, suggesting litigation is imminent.
The 18th District seat has remained empty since Turner’s death on March 5. Abbott, who holds exclusive authority to call a special election, has yet to act, despite having moved more swiftly in the past when filling similar vacancies. His office said Wednesday only that an announcement will be made “at a later date.”
The prolonged vacancy has sparked growing frustration among Democrats, who argue Abbott’s inaction is disenfranchising nearly 800,000 residents in a predominantly Black and Latino district. Some have accused the governor of playing political games to bolster Republicans’ slim majority in the U.S. House.
Key Facts:
- Turner’s Death: Former U.S. Rep. and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner died on March 5, leaving the 18th Congressional District without representation.
- House Majority Impact: Turner’s death, along with that of Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), expanded Republicans’ House majority from three to five seats.
- Special Election Authority: Under Texas law, only the governor can call a special election; there is no formal deadline to do so.
- Past Precedent: When former Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died last year, Abbott announced a special election two weeks later.
- Missed Election Window: Texas Democrats say Abbott missed the deadline to include the special election on the May 3 ballot. The next scheduled election date is Nov. 4.
- Democratic Response: Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder and Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee have accused Abbott of suppressing the vote to maintain Republican control.
- Abbott’s Statement: The governor’s office has said only that an announcement will come “at a later date.”
The delay has further intensified partisan tension, with Democrats framing the issue as an attack on voting rights and representation in a district made up largely of voters of color.