Texas Reps. Menefee and Green advance to runoff in Democratic House primary

Neither candidate won a majority in the Houston-area district, setting up a May 26 runoff election.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Texas state representatives Christian Menefee and Al Green have advanced to a runoff in the Democratic primary for a U.S. House seat representing the Houston area. Neither candidate won a majority of the vote in the initial primary, forcing them to face off again in a May 26 runoff election to determine the party's nominee.

Why it matters

The Houston-area congressional district is considered a Democratic stronghold, so the winner of the party's primary will be heavily favored to win the general election and represent the district in Congress. The runoff will determine which candidate the Democrats will put forward to potentially flip the seat.

The details

Menefee and Green, both current state representatives, finished first and second respectively in the initial primary, but neither secured more than 50% of the vote, triggering the runoff. The winner of the May 26 contest will go on to face the Republican nominee in the November general election.

  • The initial Democratic primary was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The runoff election between Menefee and Green is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

The players

Christian Menefee

A Texas state representative who finished first in the initial Democratic primary for the Houston-area congressional district.

Al Green

A Texas state representative who finished second in the initial Democratic primary, forcing a runoff with Menefee.

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What’s next

The winner of the May 26 runoff election between Menefee and Green will face the Republican nominee in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

The runoff between Menefee and Green will determine which Democrat will be the party's nominee for this Houston-area congressional seat, which is considered a safe Democratic district.