Menefee leading Green for Houston's 18th Congressional District
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Reps. Christian Menefee (left) and Al Green. Photos: Heather Diehl/Getty Images, Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee is leading longtime Rep. Al Green in Tuesday's Democratic primary for Houston's 18th Congressional District, per early voting tallies.
The big picture: A Menefee victory would be a stunning fall for Green, who was first elected to represent Houston's 9th Congressional District in 2004. Green switched to the 18th District this year after the state Legislature redrew his district to favor Republicans.
- It also highlights the generational battles among older and younger members of the party. Menefee is 37 years old, while Green is 79.
By the numbers: Preliminary early voting results show Menefee leading with 54.7% (24,590 votes) over Green's 36.8% (16,542 votes), per the Harris County Clerk's Office.
- Amanda Edwards, who ended her campaign after the filing deadline, has 7.1% (3,207 votes), and political newcomer Gretchen Brown has 1.4% (620 votes).
In the Republican primary for the 18th District, Ronald Whitfield leads with 54.15% (2,096 votes) over Elizabeth Vences with 45.8% (1,775 votes).
Catch up quick: This was Menefee's second run for Congress this year. In February, he was sworn into the House following a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner's death in 2025.
- But that term ends next year, meaning Menefee had to run again to keep the seat for the 2027 congressional cycle.
Zoom out: Green is known for his vocal opposition to President Trump — he filed three failed articles of impeachment during Trump's first term.
- He was also booted from the president's annual State of the Union address last week, and Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress last year. On Monday, he called on Congress to reconvene and address Trump's military action in Iran.
The intrigue: If the results hold and Menefee wins in the November general election, he'll use a different approach but similar ideology to represent the 18th District and oppose the Trump administration, University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus told Axios before the primary.
- "Rep. Green brings seniority and national prominence, especially on progressive matters, and Rep. Menefee's profile is more legal advocacy and local problem-solving," Rottinghaus said.
- "They both get to the same place but by different means."
What's next: Election Day results are being tallied by the Harris County Clerk's Office and will be updated throughout the night.
Editor's note: This story will be updated. It has been corrected to reflect that in 2025, Green was kicked out of Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress (not his State of the Union address).