For his first original bill proposal in Congress last week in Washington, D.C., Representative Christian Menefee (D-TX) is asking that states be required to fill vacant House seats within 180 days with the Special Election Timeliness (SET) Act.
Although the United States Constitution mandates that a special election take place after a seat in the House becomes vacant, there is no timeline for that process. Governors of both parties have been accused of intentionally delaying them to stretch vacancies in districts held by the opposing party.
Texas is one of several states that only requires a vacancy to be filled as soon as “practicable,” a word Rep. Menefee said is vague enough to mean anything a governor wants.
When Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner passed away in March 2025, it meant 334 days.
"For over 330 days, communities across the Houston area went without a voice in the House because our state's governor delayed calling a special election," Rep. Menefee said.
During this time, President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill passed, the longest government shutdown in history occurred, and an entire Texas hurricane season took place, while residents of that Houston district had no D.C. representation.
As states like Texas continue to debate the impact of redistricting on voter representation, Rep. Menefee said this act is crucial in protecting already-underserved and underrepresented communities.
"The SET Act is a commonsense reform, and it should be bipartisan,” Rep. Menefee said. “When a Member passes away or resigns, their communities should have its voice restored as soon as possible."
Houston City Controller Chris Hollins said this act is a necessary long-term safety precaution for all communities, no matter the party of its governor.
“We shouldn't need a law to force elected officials to do the right thing, but this bill will protect our rights when we do, and help us create a fairer, stronger and more just America," he said.
Texas State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons added that no community should be left without a voice in D.C. because of “political delay or inaction.”
“This bill ensures accountability and guarantees that Texans get the leadership and advocacy they deserve, on time," she said.
