Voters from the Heights and Montrose down through Meyerland can start weighing in Wednesday on who should fill Houston City Council's District C seat, as early voting opens for a special election to replace Abbie Kamin. Seven candidates are on the ballot, and whoever comes out on top will represent one of the city's most politically active stretches of neighborhoods.
When to vote
Early voting runs March 18-31, with most days open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., according to the Harris County Clerk's Office. Both Sundays in that window, March 22 and March 29, are set for shorter hours, noon-7 p.m.
Voters who prefer a ballot by mail must submit their application by March 24. Election Day for the special election is Saturday, April 4, when polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Who’s on the ballot
The seven-person field includes Angelica Luna Kaufman, Sophia Campos, Audrey Nath, Laura C. Gallier, Patrick Oathout, Joe Panzarella and Nick Hellyar. Local reporting has described the lineup as largely progressive and Democratic. For context and campaign contact details, see coverage from Houston Public Media.
Where to vote early
The City of Houston's official election notice lists six early-voting locations for District C: the Harris County Attorney Conference Center downtown, Bayland Park Community Center, Candlelight Park Community Center, the Metropolitan Multi Service Center, Rice University's Welcome Center and SPJST Lodge 88.
Those sites and the full schedule are detailed in the city's election notice, and voters in Harris County can also check the county's vote-center map for the latest information on locations and any updates.
Why this seat is open
The vacancy was created when Councilmember Abbie Kamin filed to run for Harris County attorney, a move that triggered Texas' resign-to-run rule and prompted City Council to set a special election. Kamin's March primary victory on the Democratic side has accelerated the transition, according to local coverage from Kamin squeaks out win.
Runoffs and next steps
If no candidate receives a majority of votes, state law requires a runoff between the top two finishers. Guidance from the Texas Secretary of State explains the procedures and timing for runoff contests.
Once the results are canvassed and certified, the winner will serve the remainder of the term through January 1, 2028.
How to check your polling place
District C voters can find polling locations, sample ballots and wait-time tools at the Harris County Clerk's elections portal and on the City of Houston elections page. Only registered voters who reside inside Council District C may vote in this special contest, and the county site carries the most current vote-center list and hours.
