4 Democrats running in Houston's new 18th Congressional District

• The March primaries will determine which candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties will appear on the ballot in November for terms beginning in 2027.

Driving the news: Longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards and political newcomer Gretchen Brown will appear on the Democratic primary ballot in March.

• Green currently represents Houston's 9th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold that will now favor Republican candidates under the new district configurations.

Between the lines: In a separate election, Menefee and Edwards are facing off in January to finish out the current two-year term of the vacant 18th District seat, which expires in 2026.

The other side: Political novice Ronald Dwayne Whitfield is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

What we're watching: Whether Green's name recognition and experience will be enough to prevail in a district with new constituents.