Texas Democrat Sworn In, Narrowing GOP House Margin To A Single Vote

Rep. Christian Menefee (D-Texas), formerly Harris County’s attorney, was sworn into the House on Monday after winning last week’s special election runoff to fill the Rep. Sylvester Turner’s (D-Texas) seat, after his passing.

“It’s been more than 330 days since the people of the 18th Congressional District had representation, had a voice in Congress,” Menefee said after taking the oath. He noted that during key votes on issues like cutting SNAP benefits or restricting Medicaid access, his district “had no voice in Congress, so this one is for the 18th.”

Turner died last March at age 70, leaving the seat vacant for nearly a year.

Menefee’s arrival tightens the House to a 218–214 split, further constraining Republicans at a moment of internal tension aimed at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and President Trump. Johnson can now lose only one GOP vote on any measure.

The House remains in a partial government shutdown, though Johnson expressed optimism Monday that lawmakers will approve a funding deal to reopen the government despite conservative pushback. He said he expects the chamber to pass the package by Tuesday.