Hakeem Jeffries threatens lawsuit against Abbott for delaying election

In early March 2025, Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner passed away, leaving Texas's 18th Congressional District without representation. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has not yet scheduled a special election to fill Turner's vacant seat, drawing criticism from various political figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced that he believes Abbott is intentionally delaying the election to protect the slight Republican majority in Congress. Christian Menefee, a Harris County attorney who intends to run for the seat, further echoed similar sentiments, expressing willingness to sue if the election is not called soon. Abbott’s office stated that an announcement regarding the special election would be made later. As of late March, over 800,000 residents in the district have been unrepresented in Congress for several months. Political dynamics within the House of Representatives are particularly tense, with Republicans fearing any significant loss of seats could further weaken their standing. A lack of urgency in scheduling elections in safely Democratic districts has raised concerns regarding representation for minority communities. The new candidates aiming for Turner's position highlight the district's urgent need for congressional action on critical issues, reinforcing the call for Abbott to act expeditiously. With the next opportunity for an election set for November if not earlier, the delay reinforces fears of disenfranchisement, a sentiment echoed by both Democratic leaders and constituents in the district.