Menefe Defeats Green in Texas Primary Runoff

Rep. Christian Menefe won decisively against fellow Democrat Rep. Al Green in the primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District on Tuesday, securing over two-thirds of the votes when the Associated Press called the race.

The AP reported at 7:33 p.m. that with about 61 percent of the votes counted, Menefe was leading with 21,678 votes (68.6%) compared to Green’s 9,930 votes (31.4%).

This outcome is a significant blow to Green, who has served as a congressman for more than 21 years. Menefe, who previously held the position of Harris County Attorney after becoming the first Black county attorney in the county in 2020, stepped into the race for the Houston-based seat left vacant by the late Congressman Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025.

The election comes after Texas’ Republican-led legislature approved a new congressional map for 2025. Much of Green’s traditional political base transitioned to the newly established 18th District. Green, alongside Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), sought a federal court order to block the new map, arguing it illegally alters their districts. The legislature passed the map with votes of 88-52 in the House and 18-11 in the Senate, which Gov. Greg Abbott praised as accurately reflecting Texan voting intentions.

Menefe’s political track record in Harris County and Congress emphasizes immigration issues. As county attorney, he opposed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who called a lawsuit regarding Harris County’s $1.35 million deportation defense fund a “cheap political stunt.” Menefe has also highlighted his pro bono work for immigrants and their families impacted by the “Muslim ban.”

In Congress, Menefe participated in a “shadow hearing” in March 2026 led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), advocating for the treatment of immigrants by stating they are neighbors who “have the jobs that keep our city running.” He was part of a delegation that visited the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in May 2026, where participants expressed indignation over conditions, claiming “everything they were telling us there was a lie” and accusing ICE of wrongful detentions.

Green and Menefe were key players in March 2026 when 53 House Democrats opposed a resolution labeling Iran as the leading state sponsor of terrorism. The resolution passed with a significant majority, stating Iran supports groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Green’s loss follows prominent confrontations with President Donald Trump and House Republicans. For instance, in March 2025, he disrupted Trump’s address to Congress, leading to a call for his removal from the chamber. A subsequent vote saw ten Democrats join Republicans in condemning his actions, which 80 percent of CNN poll respondents deemed inappropriate.

Additionally, Green pursued impeachment efforts against Trump. In June 2025, he introduced impeachment articles related to Trump’s actions against Iran, which ultimately faced defeat in the House with a vote tally that showcased bipartisan opposition. He had accused Trump of exceeding presidential authority, subsequently drawing attention from varying sectors of Congress.

In February 2026, Green caused further controversy by connecting his removal from Trump’s State of the Union address to historic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, referencing a sign he held during the event that drew significant media attention.