A dramatic political battle is unfolding in Texas that could determine the future of one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics in Congress.
Longtime Democrat Rep. Al Green of Texas is now locked in a runoff election against fellow Democrat Rep. Christian Menefee after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote in the race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
The closely watched primary has already drawn national attention, particularly because of Green’s long history of pushing impeachment efforts against President Trump.
Runoff Election Set After Tight Race
Under Texas election law, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright. When no one reaches that threshold, the top two candidates advance to a runoff election.
According to the Associated Press, Menefee received about 46 percent of the vote, while Green came in just behind with roughly 44.2 percent.
With neither candidate clearing the majority mark, the contest will now move to a runoff election scheduled for May 26, 2026.
That vote will determine who ultimately represents the district in Congress.
A Veteran Lawmaker Faces a New Political Challenge
Al Green has served in Congress for nearly two decades. First elected in 2005, he has represented Texas’ 9th Congressional District for most of his time in Washington.
However, recent redistricting changes led by Republicans in the Texas Legislature reshaped the political map across the state.
As a result, Green announced earlier this year that he would seek reelection in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, setting up a political showdown with Menefee.
Despite the changes, Green made it clear he had no intention of leaving the community he has represented for years.
“I am not moving,” Green told reporters when announcing his campaign.
Green’s Long Record of Opposition to President Trump
Rep. Green has become widely known in Washington for his repeated attempts to impeach President Donald Trump.
Over the years, he has introduced multiple impeachment resolutions targeting the president.
Most recently, Green launched another impeachment push in November, marking the fifth time he has attempted to bring charges against Trump.
Green has argued that impeachment votes serve as a test of where members of Congress stand regarding whether a president has committed “high crimes or misdemeanors,” the constitutional standard required for removal from office.
“We have to participate,” Green said at the time. “This is a participatory democracy.”
Confrontations During Trump’s Addresses to Congress
Green has also made headlines for his protests during President Trump’s speeches before Congress.
During the 2026 State of the Union address, Green displayed a sign reading “black people aren’t apes,” an action that resulted in him being removed from the chamber.
A similar incident occurred during the president’s 2025 joint address to Congress, when Green refused to remain seated and waved his cane while protesting during Trump’s remarks. Security eventually escorted him out of the chamber.
Those moments quickly spread across social media and cable news, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
Newcomer Christian Menefee Enters the Race
Green’s opponent, Christian Menefee, represents a newer generation of Democratic leadership in Texas.
Menefee first won election to Congress in January, capturing a special election to fill the seat previously held by longtime Democratic lawmaker Sylvester Turner.
Turner passed away in office last year at the age of 70, leaving the seat vacant.
Before entering politics, Menefee worked as a commercial litigation attorney and comes from a military family.
Political observers had previously mentioned him as a potential statewide candidate, but he ultimately decided to pursue a congressional seat instead.
Texas Redistricting Shakes Up Political Landscape
The race is also taking place amid major redistricting changes in Texas, where Republicans redrew congressional maps in an effort to reshape the state’s political balance.
Some analysts believe the new maps could ultimately eliminate several Democrat-held seats in future elections.
Those changes have forced many incumbents, including Green, to adjust their political strategies and run in newly configured districts.
May Runoff Could Decide Green’s Political Future
With the race now headed to a runoff, voters will soon decide whether the longtime congressman will continue his career in Washington — or whether the district will move in a new direction.
The May 26 runoff election will determine which Democrat secures the nomination and moves forward to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
For Green, the outcome could determine whether one of President Trump’s most persistent critics remains in Congress — or whether voters choose a new voice to represent them.
