Al Green, Christian Menefee Headed to Democratic Runoff

Texans have cast their votes in the primary elections for U.S. representative in Texas's 18th Congressional District, leading to a Democratic Runoff between Incumbent U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and longtime Congressman Al Green in May.

Neither candidate garnered enough votes to clear the 50% threshold required to avoid a second round of voting. Rep. Menefee captured 46.1% of the vote, while Rep. Green received 44.2% of the vote.

Rep. Menefee became Texas's newest member of Congress earlier this year after winning a special election to complete the term of Sylvester Turner, who died in March shortly after taking office. Rep. Green is one of Texas's longest-serving Democrats and has emphasized his seniority and influence within the party as key advantages.

Rep. Green has also been one of President Donald Trump's most vocal critics, previously introducing articles of impeachment multiple times and facing censure after being removed from the House chamber during a joint session speech in 2025.

In the race, age has become a central topic of discussion between Menefee, age 37, and Green, age 79, particularly after Turner's death at 70 left the district vacant for months before Gov. Greg Abbott scheduled a special election.

The Houston-based district has experienced significant turnover since the death of longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in July 2024, followed by a brief term served by her daughter, Erica Lee Carter.

On the republican side, Ronald Whitfield secured the nomination with 55.1% of the vote.

With a Democratic runoff looming and a Republican challenger in place, voters in the 18th District are preparing for another challenging election cycle.