Texas's 18th congressional district of the United States House of Representatives includes much of inner city Houston and the surrounding area.

The district was first represented by Barbara Jordan, the first black woman elected to Congress from the South, who was praised by many for her powerful presence and oratorical skills.

[5][clarification needed] The district was represented by Sheila Jackson Lee from 1995 until her death in 2024, when the seat became vacant.

Her daughter, Erica Lee Carter succeeded her for the unexpired term.

For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains all or portions of the following counties and communities:[7] Harris County (4) In the TV series The West Wing, Texas's 18th congressional district was represented by fictional Democratic presidential candidate Matt Santos.