Candidate with no political background, father of cancer survivor DJ Daniel, contends for Texas 18th congressional district position
Newcomer Theodis Daniel Announces Bid for Texas' 18th Congressional District
Theodis Daniel, a retired Navy veteran and father of a courageous cancer survivor, has announced his campaign for the special election to represent Texas' 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Daniel's political ambition is rooted in his personal experience. His son, Devarjay "DJ" Daniel, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This life-altering event inspired Daniel to fight for his community, just as he did for his son.
Texas' 18th congressional district, a safely Democratic and deeply blue urban district, has been left vacant following the death of Democrat Sylvester Turner in March 2025. The special election to fill this seat is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
The election occurs amid some political controversy, including accusations that Governor Greg Abbott delayed the election to benefit Republicans. However, Daniel's campaign is set in the context of the 2026 midterm elections, where competition and political maneuvering in Texas are intense.
Daniel's unique profile in the race is further enhanced by his son's national attention. DJ Daniel has been honored by former President Donald Trump as a young cancer survivor and sworn in at more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies across the country. He also visited the White House following President Trump's joint address to Congress and was named an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent.
As a political outsider, Daniel does not have six-figure deals or a long history in politics. However, he is not new to resilience in the face of adversity. His campaign priorities are supporting law enforcement, safety, healthcare, and education. If elected to Congress, he has committed to a term-limit.
Deirdre Heavey, a politics writer for our website Digital, reported that Daniel's campaign is driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives. He believes the constituents of Texas' 18th congressional district are ready for real progress and is ready to fight for his district.
Texas' 18th congressional district represents parts of northern and eastern Houston, including downtown, as well as the nearby city of Humble and Harris County. The district has been represented by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee for nearly three decades before her death in July 2024.
In a recent statement, Daniel compared overstaying in office to ruining marinated meat and getting comfortable to laziness and forgetfulness. He aims to bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to service to the role of Representative.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Daniel's personal story and political ambition will resonate with the voters of Texas' 18th congressional district. However, one thing is certain: his campaign is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming elections.
- In light of his son's battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Theodis Daniel has announced his bid for the vacant seat in Texas' 18th congressional district, aimed at influencing policy-and-legislation on healthcare.
- A retired Navy veteran, Daniel posits that his resilience in the face of adversity, evident in his son's cancer journey, equips him to tackle challenges such as war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice.
- As the special election approaches amidst controversy over its timing, Daniel's campaign promises to address migration issues, advocating for law-enforcement and general-news policies that cater to the needs of the district's diverse population.
- With a term-limit, Daniel offers an alternative to the prolonged tenure of politicians, taking inspiration from the ruining of marinated meat if left too long and the ill-effects of laziness and forgetfulness.
- Amidst the intense competition in Texas during the 2026 midterm elections, Daniel's unique background and commitment to issues like education could sway voters, despite his lack of six-figure deals or a long history in politics.
- Accusations of political maneuvering by Governor Greg Abbott notwithstanding, Daniel's campaign, driven by a desire to make a difference, intends to make an impact in the arenas of politics and car-accidents, sports, and even sports-betting, such as in NBA leagues like the NCAAs.
- Echoing the themes of healthcare and safety, Daniel's platform calls for additional attention to fires in the district as well, seeking appropriate legislative measures to minimize their occurrence and impact.
- Theodis Daniel's campaign, as reported by Deirdre Heavey of Digital, mirrors the spirit of his son, DJ Daniel, who has gained national attention for his cancer survival story and advocacy work, and has even visited the White House and been honored by former President Donald Trump.
