Menefee and Green Advance to Runoff in CD18 Primary

Newly redrawn district lines reshape Houston-area congressional race

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and U.S. Rep. Al Green are headed for a May runoff election in the Democratic primary for Texas' 18th Congressional District after the race marked the first primary under newly redrawn boundaries that reshaped the Houston-area district.

Why it matters

The redrawn district lines have significantly impacted the dynamics of this congressional race, with the 18th District absorbing much of the former 9th District while shedding parts of central Houston. This will be the first election under the new boundaries, making the outcome an important indicator of how the changes have affected voter preferences in the area.

The details

The newly redrawn 18th Congressional District has absorbed much of the former 9th District, while shedding parts of central Houston. This has reshaped the dynamics of the Democratic primary, with U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and U.S. Rep. Al Green emerging as the top two vote-getters and advancing to a runoff election in May.

  • The primary election took place on March 4, 2026.
  • The runoff election between Menefee and Green is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives who is advancing to a runoff election in the 18th Congressional District primary.

U.S. Rep. Al Green

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives who is advancing to a runoff election in the 18th Congressional District primary.

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What’s next

The runoff election between Menefee and Green is scheduled for May 2026, with the winner advancing to the general election.

The takeaway

The redrawn boundaries of the 18th Congressional District have significantly reshaped the dynamics of this primary race, with the top two finishers advancing to a runoff election that will be an important indicator of voter preferences under the new district lines.