U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee out-raised Rep. Al Green in the first quarter of 2026 as the two face off in the Democratic runoff for Houston's 18th Congressional District.

Why it matters: The numbers show momentum for Menefee ahead of the May election as he looks to unseat Green, who's been in Congress since 2004.

Driving the news: Menefee raised roughly $1 million from Jan. 12 to March 31, per FEC filings compiled by Axios.

• Green raised $256,000 from Jan. 1 to March 31 and loaned himself an additional $200,000, records show.
• After campaign expenditures, each had a little over $250,000 on hand heading into April.

What they're saying: Menefee says that 90% of the 15,000 contributions in the first quarter were for less than $100 each.

• "I am incredibly grateful to the grassroots movement powering this campaign," Menefee said in a statement. "The people of the 18th District are ready for leaders who will fight and win, now and for the long haul."

Green's campaign did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

Zoom in: Menefee's top political expenditures in Q1 were for TV advertisements and fundraising efforts, while Green's were for radio and digital advertisements, per FEC data.

Zoom out: In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic candidate James Talarico hauled in more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026.

• Talarico's fundraising dwarfs the amount incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn raised during the same period and will play a key role in persuading voters in what is shaping up as a very expensive race.
• Cornyn is facing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a runoff.

Yes, but: The Cornyn campaign said it raised nearly $9 million in the first quarter, including $3.4 million in the four weeks after the March 3 primary. Texans for Senator John Cornyn finished the quarter with $4.9 million on hand — and millions of dollars more are supporting Cornyn's campaign through related groups.

• Ken Paxton for Senate raised nearly $1.2 million in the period covering Feb. 12 to March 31, per its quarterly FEC filing. It finished the period with $2.1 million on hand.

What's next

The Rockets tip off the first round of the NBA playoffs tomorrow against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why it matters: Houston's momentum couldn't have more perfect timing heading into a game against an ailing Los Angeles lineup.

Driving the news: Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will be in Los Angeles.

State of play: The Rockets beat the Lakers in LA earlier this season but fell twice to the Lakers at Toyota Center in March.

Catch up quick: The Rockets (52-30) are the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers (53-29) are the No. 4 seed.

• Houston finished the season winning nine of its last 10 games.
• The team is led by All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who averaged 26 points and 5.5 rebounds during the regular season.

Flashback: Houston made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2020 but lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

• Houston added Durant in the offseason to help strengthen the team's young lineup.
• Point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL while practicing in October and has been sidelined all season.

The other side: The Lakers have homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven series. They're led by LeBron James, but it's been three years since he last won a playoff series.

• LA will start the series without stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who have been sidelined "indefinitely" after each suffered injuries during the same game April 2.

What's next: Tipoff for Game 1 is at 7:30pm tomorrow on ABC.

⚖️ Abbie Kamin, the Houston City Council member running for Harris County attorney, was appointed interim county attorney in a narrow vote. She'll continue to serve on City Council until her interim term starts June 15. (Houston Chronicle)

🏈 NRG Stadium will revert to its old name of "Reliant Stadium" starting in August. (ABC13)

Magnolia Mayor Matthew Dantzer was arrested in Tarrant County this week on a charge of assault of a pregnant person after being accused of assaulting a city employee on a work trip in 2025. Dantzer has denied the allegations. (Houston Public Media)

If you're interested in touring an active Navy ship in Houston for Fleet Week, we've got you covered.

Why it matters: Several Navy ships and hundreds of Marines and sailors are in town for the city's first time hosting the event.

Driving the news: Ship tours are available to the public now through Tuesday.

• They include the USS Kearsarge, USS Minneapolis-St. Paul, USS St. Louis and USCGC Edgar Culbertson, each docked along the Houston Ship Channel. They arrived in the port Wednesday.

How it works: Those interested in a tour should head to Post Houston at 401 Franklin St., according to Fleet Week organizers.

• Once onsite, enter the digital tour queue. When you're issued a tour pass, you'll head to the shuttle boarding area for a security check.
• Adults must have a valid government-issued ID. Adults who are not U.S. citizens will be required to show a passport and undergo additional screening. Children 5 and older are welcome to tour.

Tours will depart 7:30am-5pm daily, except on Tuesday when the last shuttle leaves at 11am.

• Be sure to check out the Fleet Week Houston ship tour page for more info.

I turned to Victor and I said, 'I don't think humanity has evolved to the point of being able to comprehend what we're looking at right now.' Because it was otherworldly and was amazing.