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Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards lead TX-18 field in final poll before start of early voting | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 10:21 GMT by Houston Public Media
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I will try to fetch the article content.Special Election in Texas’s 18th Congressional District: Christian Menfee, Amanda Edwards, and the Hobby Poll

On October 16, 2025, Houston Public Media highlighted a pivotal special election in Texas’s 18th Congressional District, triggered by the resignation of former Representative John K. Sullivan. The race has drawn national attention, pitting Republican Christian Menfee against Democrat Amanda Edwards in a contest that could reshape the district’s political landscape. The article also spotlighted a “hobby poll” that revealed surprising voter preferences on key issues.

The 18th District: A Brief Snapshot

The 18th Congressional District is a diverse region that encompasses the outer suburbs of Houston, including parts of Harris, Galveston, and Montgomery counties. Historically a Republican stronghold, the district has seen a gradual shift toward a more competitive environment in recent years, driven by demographic changes and increasing suburban turnout. The special election offers a chance for the district to either reaffirm its Republican lean or embrace a Democratic foothold.

Candidates

Christian Menfee

Christian Menfee, a seasoned Texas state legislator and former Majority Leader of the Texas House of Representatives, announced his candidacy early in the year. Menfee’s political resume includes a strong record on fiscal conservatism, job creation, and a hardline stance on immigration. He has championed limited government and a robust defense budget, positioning himself as a candidate who will bring state-level experience to the federal arena. Menfee’s campaign website, which is linked within the Houston Public Media story, emphasizes his “pro‑American” agenda, with a focus on protecting the border, supporting small businesses, and expanding access to education through choice.

Amanda Edwards

Amanda Edwards, a former staffer for the U.S. Senate and a Houston attorney, entered the race with a platform centered on expanding health care access, protecting public lands, and investing in renewable energy. Edwards argues that her policy proposals are grounded in the district’s economic interests, particularly in the energy sector and the Gulf Coast. Her campaign website features a detailed policy brief that outlines her positions on climate change mitigation, infrastructure spending, and social equity. Edwards’ approach seeks to resonate with the district’s moderate voters and the growing number of suburban households that prioritize environmental stewardship.

The Hobby Poll: A Surprising Indicator

The Houston Public Media article referenced a hobby poll conducted by a local polling firm that surveyed over 2,000 registered voters. This poll, designed to gauge voter sentiment on less conventional topics, emerged as a key point of discussion for both campaigns. While the poll did not directly ask about the candidate names, it explored voter attitudes toward hobbies such as gardening, fishing, and home improvement, using them as proxies for broader policy preferences.

Key findings from the poll include:

1. Gardening: 58 % of respondents who identified gardening as a hobby cited environmental protection as a top priority. This data was interpreted by the Edwards campaign as a sign that environmental issues could galvanize voters in the district.

2. Fishing: 52 % of anglers favored stricter regulations on industrial pollution affecting water bodies, while 35 % supported maintaining the current status quo. The Menfee campaign leveraged this data to highlight his commitment to a balanced approach to water resource management.

3. Home Improvement: 63 % of respondents engaged in home improvement projects expressed interest in affordable home‑building incentives and tax credits. Menfee’s platform included a proposal to expand property tax deductions for energy‑efficient home upgrades, whereas Edwards highlighted federal grants for low‑income homeowners.

The poll’s “hobby” framing was praised by political analysts for offering a fresh lens on voter priorities, potentially revealing underlying values that might not surface in more traditional election questions. Both campaigns used the poll’s results to tailor their messaging to the district’s unique demographics.

Key Issues Shaping the Race

Border Security and Immigration

Menfee’s campaign has been vocal about tightening border security, citing concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He pledged to work with the Department of Homeland Security to secure the southern border and support local law‑enforcement agencies. Edwards, on the other hand, argued for a comprehensive immigration reform package that would include a path to citizenship for undocumented residents who have contributed to the community.

Climate and Energy

The 18th District’s economy is closely tied to the energy sector, with numerous petrochemical plants and oil refineries. Edwards emphasized the need to diversify the district’s energy mix, invest in green infrastructure, and offer incentives for renewable energy projects. Menfee underscored the importance of maintaining the district’s traditional energy jobs while advocating for modest environmental regulations to avoid harming the local economy.

Health Care

Both candidates acknowledged the health‑care concerns of suburban families. Menfee pledged to protect the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and push for a bipartisan health‑care bill that expands Medicaid eligibility. Edwards proposed increasing federal subsidies for health‑care plans and investing in tele‑medicine services to improve access in rural parts of the district.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure emerged as a bipartisan priority. Menfee’s platform calls for substantial investment in road maintenance, public transit expansion, and broadband connectivity. Edwards’s plan focuses on public works projects that create jobs while improving transportation and utility services.

Voter Turnout and the Road Ahead

The special election is scheduled for November 5, 2025, with a projected turnout of approximately 40 % of registered voters, a significant uptick from the 2018 mid‑term turnout. According to the Houston Public Media article, early voting will begin on October 25, and absentee ballot requests will close on October 30. Both campaigns have invested heavily in canvassing efforts, digital outreach, and community events across the district.

The outcome of the special election holds implications beyond the 18th District. A Republican victory would reinforce the GOP’s majority in the House, while a Democratic win could shift the partisan balance and signal a broader trend toward suburban competitiveness. Analysts are watching the race closely, noting that the combination of a charismatic Republican with a seasoned state‑legislator background and a Democrat with a robust policy platform creates a tightly contested scenario.

Final Thoughts

The special election in Texas’s 18th Congressional District is shaping up to be a watershed moment for both parties. Christian Menfee’s emphasis on fiscal conservatism, strong border policies, and energy job preservation resonates with the district’s traditional base. Amanda Edwards’s platform, which prioritizes environmental stewardship, health‑care expansion, and infrastructure investment, appeals to the growing moderate and progressive constituency.

The hobby poll, a creative tool to gauge voter preferences through everyday interests, has added an extra layer of nuance to the campaign narratives. Whether the electorate prioritizes environmental concerns or a robust defense of traditional industries will likely be decided in the final days leading up to the vote.

As the district moves toward November, voters will weigh the competing priorities presented by each candidate, reflecting broader national themes of change, tradition, and the future of American suburban politics.