The question many voters are asking today is simple: did al green lose his primary? Early results from the 2026 Democratic primary in Texas’ 18th Congressional District show that longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green has not lost outright, but the race remains extremely close and is likely heading to a runoff election.
Initial vote counts show a tight contest between Green and fellow Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee, with neither candidate reaching the majority required to secure the nomination. Because Texas primaries require a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff, the race appears poised for a second round of voting later this spring.
Below is a full breakdown of the election results, why the race became so competitive, and what happens next in one of Texas’ most closely watched congressional primaries.
If you follow U.S. elections closely, keep reading for the key facts shaping this dramatic race.
Did Al Green Lose His Primary? The Current Results Explained
As vote totals were counted following the March 2026 Democratic primary, the race between Al Green and Christian Menefee quickly emerged as one of the tightest contests of the night in Texas.
With a large share of ballots counted, early results showed:
- Christian Menefee: about 46% of the vote
- Al Green: about 45% of the vote
Other candidates received only small portions of the vote, leaving the two congressmen nearly tied.
Because neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold required to win the nomination, the contest is expected to advance to a runoff election, a standard process in Texas primaries when no candidate earns a majority.
This means the answer to the question did al green lose his primary is no—at least not yet. The race remains unresolved and will likely continue into a runoff between the top two candidates.
Why the Race Became So Competitive
The Democratic primary in Texas’ 18th Congressional District was unusual because it pitted two sitting members of Congress against each other.
Several factors helped create this high-stakes matchup.
1. Redistricting Reshaped Houston-Area Seats
Recent redistricting dramatically changed congressional boundaries around Houston.
For years, Al Green represented Texas’ 9th District, a seat he had held since 2005. However, new district maps made that district more favorable to Republicans.
As a result, Green decided to run in the newly configured 18th Congressional District, a Democratic-leaning seat that includes large parts of Houston.
But that district already had an incumbent.
Christian Menefee Entered Congress Earlier in 2026
Christian Menefee became a member of Congress after winning a special election earlier in 2026 to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner.
His victory gave him incumbency status heading into the Democratic primary, even though Green had represented nearby communities for two decades.
That created a rare scenario in which two Democratic incumbents competed for the same seat.
Campaign Differences Drew Voter Attention
The campaign between Menefee and Green also featured notable policy and messaging contrasts.
Green emphasized:
- His long congressional experience
- Work on civil rights legislation
- Efforts related to disaster recovery and community advocacy
Menefee highlighted:
- Progressive policy priorities
- Support for environmental justice and voting rights
- His recent leadership as a Houston-area county attorney
The close vote totals suggest that Democratic voters in the district were divided between experience and a newer political voice.
What Happens Next: A Possible Runoff Election
If final vote totals confirm that neither candidate secured more than half the vote, Texas election law requires a runoff between the top two candidates.
This runoff would likely take place in late May 2026.
During a runoff:
- Only the top two candidates appear on the ballot
- The candidate with the most votes wins the nomination
Because the district strongly favors Democrats, the runoff winner will likely enter the general election as the clear favorite to win the seat in November.
That makes the upcoming runoff one of the most important congressional races in the Houston area this year.
Al Green’s Long Political Career
Al Green is one of the longest-serving members of the Texas congressional delegation.
Key milestones in his career include:
- Serving as Justice of the Peace in Harris County
- Election to Congress in 2004
- Becoming a leading voice on civil rights and social justice issues
Green has also drawn national attention for repeatedly introducing articles of impeachment against former President Donald Trump and for his outspoken advocacy on economic fairness.
After more than two decades in Congress, this primary represents one of the most competitive political challenges of his career.
Why the District Matters Nationally
Texas’ 18th Congressional District has historic significance in American politics.
The seat has previously been represented by prominent Black leaders, including:
- Barbara Jordan
- Sheila Jackson Lee
- Sylvester Turner
The district covers key Houston communities such as:
- Third Ward
- Fifth Ward
- Downtown Houston
- The Texas Medical Center area
Because it is strongly Democratic, the primary winner typically becomes the district’s next representative.
The Bottom Line
So, did al green lose his primary?
Not yet.
Early election results show a razor-thin margin between Al Green and Christian Menefee, with neither candidate securing the majority needed to win outright. The race is expected to move to a runoff election, where voters will decide which candidate becomes the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
With two incumbents battling for the same seat and thousands of voters participating, the runoff could become one of the most closely watched congressional races in Texas this year.
What do you think about this tight Texas primary race? Share your thoughts and follow along as the runoff battle unfolds.