U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee defeated longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green in Tuesday’s Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, highlighting one of the biggest political shakeups in the Houston area.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night after early voting results from Harris County showed Menefee with a commanding lead, around 68%, in the heavily Democratic district centered in Houston. The newly redrawn district includes much of Harris County and parts of surrounding communities.
Menefee’s victory marks the end of Green’s long tenure representing the district in Congress and positions the younger Democrat as the party’s nominee heading into the November general election.
Elsewhere in Harris County, former Houston City Council member Orlando Sanchez won the Republican runoff for Harris County judge, defeating Warren Howell in a closely watched local contest. Sanchez will advance to the general election as Republicans continue efforts to gain ground in the county.
The Democratic runoff for Harris County judge between former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Harris County Commissioner Letitia Plummer remains too close to call as of writing, with additional vote totals still being counted.
Statewide, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in one of the state’s most high-profile races. He will face Democratic candidate James Talarico in November.
Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton also secured victory in the Republican runoff for Texas attorney general.
The runoff elections were held after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote during Texas’ March primaries, triggering head-to-head contests to determine party nominees for the November election.