Election results: Menefee beats Green in Democratic runoff for Texas' 18th Congressional District

HOUSTON - Incumbent Christian Menefee beat Congressman Al Green in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. representative in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, the Associated Press projects.

He will face Republican Ronald Whitfield in the November election.

What they're saying:

"Tonight belongs to the people of this district," said Congressman Menefee. "You have shown up over and over, and every single time, you have chosen to fight for a better future for our communities. I do not take that for granted for one second. This is your victory, and I will spend every day in Washington making sure it means something."

"Republicans have made this hard on purpose," said Congressman Menefee. "They delayed this election. They drew maps designed to dilute our power. They made you come back to the polls over and over again because they were hoping you would get tired and give up. You didn't. Now it's time to finish the job. In November, we have the opportunity to change the leadership of this state, and I am calling on every voter in Texas to seize it."

About the candidates

Christian Menefee currently serves as U.S. representative in District 18 after winning a special election in January. Menefee worked as a commercial litigator in Houston before becoming the youngest and first Black Harris County Attorney in 2020.

Al Green is currently representing Texas' 9th Congressional District in Houston. He is serving his 11th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He decided to run in District 18 instead this year due to mid-decade redistricting. Green also serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. 

About Texas' 18th Congressional District

Texas’ 18th Congressional District includes much of inner-city Houston and the surrounding areas.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee represented the district for nearly three decades from 1995 until her death in July 2024.

Jackson Lee’s daughter, Erica Lee Carter, won a special election to finish out her mother’s term from November 2024 to January 2025.

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was elected to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District for the following term in the November 2024 election. He took office in January 2025 and passed away in March, leaving the seat vacant.