Christian Menefee beats Al Green in Democratic primary runoff in new TX
Houston Public Media • • general
Key Points:
- U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee defeated U.S. Rep. Al Green in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, securing 70.4% of early votes in Harris County.
- The race was a rare contest between two incumbent Democrats due to redistricting that merged parts of Green’s 9th District into the 18th, leading both to compete for the same seat.
- The 18th District has experienced electoral turbulence, including four elections in seven months and a nearly year-long vacancy following the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner in 2025.
- Menefee, aged 38, won a special election in January to fill the seat and will now face Republican Ronald Whitfield in the November general election.
- Green, 78, who has served since 2005, resides in the newly drawn 18th District but was unable to overcome Menefee’s strong early voting lead in Harris County.