Days after the burial of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, Amanda Edwards announced yesterday that she will run for the vacant 18th Congressional District seat in Texas. The former Houston City Council member stated her intention to bring new approaches and ideas to a district facing challenges related to President Trump's policies affecting essential services. "I'm running to be the Congresswoman for the community," Edwards stated in a FOX 26 News interview.

Edwards, who previously ran for the seat and finished as the runner-up to Turner after a primary defeat by Sheila Jackson Lee, views this as an opportunity to address what she described as Trump's impact on jobs, healthcare, and education. While Governor Greg Abbott has yet to announce a date for the special election, the race to fill Turner's position is intensifying. "The stakes are far too important to stay on the sidelines right now," said Edwards, vowing to deliver real results for the constituents, feeling the anticipation of the upcoming election, as she told FOX 26 News.

Edwards faces competition for the nomination, as Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee also entered the race earlier this week, earning endorsements from prominent figures like Erica Lee Carter, Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter, and former U.S. Reps. Colin Allred and Beto O'Rourke. At the same time, other potential candidates are emerging, indicating a competitive Democratic field in the district, which has a strong historical connection to Houston's Black community, according to The Texas Tribune.

Focusing on her past advocacy for small businesses and workers’ rights, Edwards emphasized her sustained commitment to the community. "We need the next generation of new leaders in Washington," she wrote in a social media post. With Republicans controlling all branches of the federal government, Edwards seeks to offer a counter and address what she views as a gap in Democratic defenses.

I am honored to announce that I am running for Congress. My commitment to this community has never wavered, and I will continue to fight for the opportunities and resources our district needs. We need the next generation of new leaders in Washington to combat Trump’s attacks on… pic.twitter.com/Eh9DVq0JMA

— Amanda Edwards (@AKEdwardsTX) March 19, 2025