Texans are voting today in an off-year election that features two closely watched special elections and a sweeping slate of 17 proposed constitutional amendments. Despite a typically low turnout, early voting exceeded one million ballots, signaling heightened interest across the state.
In Houston, 16 candidates are vying to fill late Representative Sylvester Turner's 18th Congressional District seat, and a runoff is expected early next year. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former City Council Member Amanda Edwards, and State Rep. Jolanda Jones are at the forefront of the crowded Democratic field.
However, there is a chance that a split vote between the Democrats could allow a Republican contender into the runoff.
In North Texas, voters in District 9 will decide who will fill the State Senate seat vacated by Kelly Hancock. Former Southlake Mayor John Huffman (R) and conservative activist Leigh Wambasganss (R) are against one another for the seat.
There is one Democrat in the North Texas race, Taylor Rehmet, who has a chance if the Republican votes split, not allowing for either to receive 50% of the vote.
Beyond the races, voters are weighing 17 proposed amendments that should shape Texas' future on taxes, water infrastructure, criminal justice, and health research, including measures to expand the homestead tax exemption and create new state funds for water and neurological disease research.
Polls close at 7 p.m. and results are expected to come shortly after.
