HOUSTON — U.S. Reps. Christian Menefee and Al Green are competing in a Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District while both lawmakers called for new federal voting rights legislation following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on redistricting.
The runoff contest follows a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in Louisiana v. Callais, which addressed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The court ruled that states may consider non-racial factors, including partisan considerations, in drawing electoral maps, and struck down a Louisiana congressional district that had been created as a majority-Black opportunity seat.
The ruling effectively removed that district and prompted concerns among voting rights advocates about enforcement of protections against racial discrimination in redistricting.
Menefee said Congress should pass a national ban on partisan gerrymandering and argued that states could use partisan considerations to mask racial discrimination in district maps. He also said Democrats should prioritize voting rights legislation if they regain control of Congress.
Al Green issued a statement criticizing the court’s decision and said it weakens protections for voters. He said he would work with lawmakers and advocacy groups to support new voting rights protections and encouraged peaceful civic engagement in response to the ruling.
Green currently represents Texas’ 9th District, but redistricting by Texas lawmakers placed his residence in the 18th District, placing him in the same electoral contest as Menefee.
The seat was previously held by Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025. A special election was held after his death, leaving the district without representation for more than 330 days before Menefee took office in early 2026.
Menefee filed legislation called the Special Elections Timeliness Act, which would require states to hold special elections within 180 days of a congressional vacancy.
The winner of the May 26 runoff is expected to advance to the general election in November. Texas’ 18th Congressional District has historically elected Democratic representatives since the 1970s.
