Menefee, Edwards head to runoff for Houston's vacant congressional seat

The big picture: Sixteen candidates were vying to represent Houston's 18th Congressional District, drawn to favor Democratic candidates. Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will face off in a Dec. 13 runoff.

State of play: Menefee garnered 28.9% of the vote and Edwards got 25.6%, according to Harris County's unofficial election results.

• Jolanda Jones, also a Democrat, finished third with 19.1%.

Between the lines: Runoffs typically see a narrower and more dedicated electorate.

What we're watching: Whether Menefee will maintain an advantage in the runoff and who will garner support from voters who backed other candidates.

The intrigue: The winner would run for reelection next year in a redrawn district that will include much of the district currently represented by U.S. Rep. Al Green (D). Green has hinted that he will run in the 18th District.

Meanwhile, Alejandra Salinas (21.2%) and Dwight Boykins (20.1%) are headed for a runoff in the race to fill the vacant Houston City Council At-Large Position 4.

• The spot was left open when former Council Member Letitia Plummer stepped down to run for Harris County judge in the March Democratic primary.