A closely watched Democratic primary in Texas’ 18th Congressional District is pitting two current House members against each other: Representative Al Green and Representative-elect Christian Menefee. The unusual matchup stems from recent redistricting and a series of unexpected vacancies in the Houston-area district.
The 18th District, historically a reliably Democratic stronghold, was already set for a competitive primary following the death of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee in June 2025 after she briefly rejoined the race following an unsuccessful mayoral bid. Jackson Lee had represented the district since 1995. Her passing triggered a special election, won by Christian Menefee in January 2026, to fill the remainder of her term. Still, the redrawing of congressional maps subsequently placed Al Green, a 20-year House veteran whose previous district was the 9th, into the 18th, setting up a primary challenge to Menefee for a full two-year term beginning in 2027.
Menefee, a former Harris County attorney, secured his seat in the special election runoff against Amanda Edwards. He now faces Green, alongside Edwards and other candidates, in the March 3rd primary. Early voting begins February 17th. The outcome of the primary is expected to determine the district’s representative, as the winner is heavily favored to win the general election.
The contest has taken on added significance due to Green’s increasingly vocal criticism of Israel. Since the October 7th attacks by Hamas, Green has consistently opposed resolutions supporting Israel, voting against legislation that garnered bipartisan support. He has also supported efforts to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood and has described the conflict in Gaza as a genocide. These positions have reportedly strained his relationship with Jewish leaders in the Houston area, who are now looking for a change in representation.
According to sources, Menefee is considered the frontrunner in the primary. Green, at 78 years old, is facing an uphill battle to retain his seat. The primary could represent a generational shift in the district, with Menefee, a younger and more progressive candidate, challenging a long-serving incumbent. If neither Green nor Menefee secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held to determine the Democratic nominee.
The death of former Representative Sylvester Turner eleven months prior to the primary further complicates the political landscape. Turner’s passing initiated the special election that brought Menefee to Congress, but his successor will now be immediately embroiled in a primary battle shaped by redistricting and questions of seniority.
