Christian Menefee and Al Green Headed to Runoff for Democratic Nomination in Newly Redrawn TX-18 U.S. Representatives Christian Menefee and Al Green are set to face off in a May 26 runoff for the Democratic nomination in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Neither candidate secured a majority of votes in the March 3 primary, with Menefee and Green narrowly trailing each other. Menefee, a 37-year-old former Harris County attorney, and Green, a 78-year-old longtime congressman, both vied for the seat representing Houston, which was vacated by the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner in March 2025. The race, which included two additional candidates—Amanda Edwards and Gretchen Brown—was shaped by the state’s recent redistricting efforts. Texas Republicans redrew congressional maps last summer to favor the GOP, creating a new 18th District that spans Harris and Fort Bend counties. This district, historically a stronghold for Black Democrats, has become a battleground as the redrawn boundaries shifted voters between districts. Green, who previously represented the 9th District, moved to the 18th after his home and many constituents were relocated to the new district. Menefee, who won a special election to fill Turner’s seat in January, now faces Green in the runoff. Early results showed Green leading with 47.8% of the vote, compared to Menefee’s 41.8%, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The Associated Press estimated Menefee’s lead at 46% to 44.2% with 99% of votes counted. In Harris County, Menefee held a stronger position, securing 51.5% of the vote, while Green received 38.2%. In Fort Bend County, Green dominated with 63.2% of the vote, versus 28.9% for Menefee. The primary marks the second election for the 18th District in less than a month, following a special election to replace Turner.#texas_legislature #sylvester_turner #christian_menefee #al_green #tx_18_district
