Trending Now - Al Green and Christian Menefee Advance to Texas Primary Runoff

WHO:

Al Green, U.S. Representative, Democrat from Texas

Christian Menefee, U.S. Representative, Democrat from Texas

Sylvester Turner, former U.S. Representative, Democrat from Texas (deceased)

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Texas state House Republicans

Congressional Progressive Caucus Political Action Committee

WHAT:

Al Green and Christian Menefee will advance to a Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

Neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote required to win outright on March 3, 2026.

Menefee received 46% of the votes, and Green received 44.2%.

The runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Green has represented some iteration of the 9th District since 2005 and switched to the 18th District due to redistricting.

Menefee won a special election to fill the seat of Sylvester Turner in January 2026.

Green has made multiple attempts to impeach President Trump, with his most recent effort in November 2025.

WHERE:

Texas’ 18th Congressional District, located in the Houston area.

U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

March 3, 2026: Primary election date.

May 26, 2026: Scheduled runoff election date.

March 2025: Sylvester Turner died in office.

January 2026: Menefee won the special election.

WHY:

The runoff is necessitated by Texas law, which requires a majority vote to win outright.

Redistricting changes advanced by Republicans aimed to give them at least five more House seats in 2026.

HOW:

The runoff election process is triggered when no candidate achieves a majority of the votes.

Redistricting was initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state House Republicans in August 2025.

In Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Al Green and Christian Menefee are set to advance to a Democratic primary runoff after neither candidate secured the required majority in the election held last Monday, with Menefee receiving 46% of the votes and Green close behind at 44.2%. The runoff, necessitated by Texas law, is scheduled for May 26, 2026, following Menefee's recent win in a special election to fill the seat of the late Sylvester Turner. Green, who has represented various iterations of the 9th District since 2005, switched to the 18th due to redistricting changes pushed by Governor Greg Abbott and state House Republicans.