After incumbent congressman Frank Tejeda died of brain cancer soon after the congressional elections, a special election was held to fill Texas's 28th congressional district. Since no candidate received an outright majority during the first round on March 15, a special runoff was held on April 12, 1997, which was won by State Representative Ciro Rodriguez.

1997 Texas's 28th congressional district special election

← 1996 April 12, 1997 1998 →

Nominee Ciro Rodriguez Juan F. Solis III Party Democratic Democratic Popular vote 19,992 9,990 Percentage 66.7% 33.3%

Results by county Rodriguez   50–60%   60–70%   80–90%   90>% Solis   50–60%

U.S. Representative before election Frank Tejeda Democratic Elected U.S. Representative Ciro Rodriguez Democratic