Christian Menefee Defeats Al Green In Texas Democratic Runoff After Redistricting Shakeup

Texas’ redistricting wars have claimed another political casualty.

Rep. Christian Menefee defeated fellow Democratic Rep. Al Green on Tuesday in a Houston-area runoff, ending the congressional career of one of Capitol Hill’s most outspoken critics of President Donald Trump.

The race was a rare incumbent-versus-incumbent showdown created by Texas’ redrawn congressional map, which placed both lawmakers in the heavily Democratic 18th Congressional District.

Neither candidate secured a majority in the March primary, sending the contest to a runoff under Texas election law. Menefee finished first in that initial vote with 46% support, while Green trailed closely with 44.2%.

Tuesday’s result completed a generational changing of the guard.

Green, who has represented Houston-area voters for two decades, built a national profile as one of Trump’s earliest and most persistent congressional opponents. He repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against Trump and frequently used high-profile moments to challenge the president publicly.

But in the end, redistricting forced Green into a political fight for survival against a younger Democrat who argued it was time for new leadership.

Menefee, a former attorney from a military family, campaigned to bring fresh energy to Washington while maintaining strong opposition to Trump and Republican policies.

Following the March primary, Green argued outside spending had reshaped the race. He pointed to roughly $1.5 million in spending from crypto-industry interests as a major factor in tightening the contest.

The veteran congressman also questioned Menefee’s readiness for office, criticizing what he described as his opponent’s lack of experience and early attendance record in Congress.

Menefee countered by presenting himself as part of the next generation of Democratic leadership.

In a statement posted to his campaign website earlier this year, Menefee described his congressional bid as an opportunity to continue fighting for Houston while acknowledging the challenges Democrats face statewide in Texas.

BREAKING: One of Congress’ most aggressive Trump critics just lost his seat in Texas.

Rep. Al Green, the Democrat who repeatedly pushed to impeach President Trump, was defeated in a heated primary race against fellow Texas Rep. Christian Menefee.

Green built a national profile… pic.twitter.com/B55cLKXzgn

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 27, 2026