Menefee elected to Congress as eyes shift to midterm primary
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Christian Menefee in 2025. Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Democrat Christian Menefee is ready to hit the ground running as Houston's newest congressman after winning Saturday's special election.
Why it matters: Menefee's swearing-in is now up to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).
- "Our district cannot afford another day on the sidelines," Menefee said in a statement Saturday. "I'm prepared to work with the Speaker of the House to ensure there is no delay in the swearing-in process."
The latest: Menefee will serve as representative through the end of 2026 after garnering 68.4% of the vote, defeating Amanda Edwards.
Catch up quick: Houstonians in the 18th Congressional District have not had representation in the House since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner nearly a year ago.
What they're saying: "For too long, our community has gone without representation while prices kept rising and fundamental rights came under attack," Menefee said. "That ends now."
- Menefee said he will immediately work to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and "tear ICE up from the roots" while addressing immigration reform.
Between the lines: Menefee's election will put House Democrats at 214 seats to Republicans' 218, meaning Johnson will be able to afford just one defection on party-line votes.
- That margin could become an immediate headache for Johnson as he prepares to try to pass legislation this week ending the partial government shutdown with only Republican votes, Axio's Andrew Solender writes.
The intrigue: All eyes are now on the March 6 primary election, which will determine who is on the November ballot under the state's new congressional map. The winner of that primary will compete to represent the district for a full two-year term starting in 2027.
- Both Menefee and Edwards are on the ballot, along with U.S. Rep. Al Green, who has long represented Houston's 9th Congressional District but who is now running in the 18th because of redistricting. Political newcomer Gretchen Brown is also running.
- Political novice Ronald Whitfield is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
What's next: Early voting for the March 3 primary starts Feb. 17.