By Jim Mishler | Saturday, 08 November 2025 02:07 PM EST
U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, announced Friday that he plans to run in the redrawn Texas 18th Congressional District. The Texas Tribune reported that the longtime Houston Democrat’s bid sets up a competitive primary against the winner of the upcoming special election to fill the remainder of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term.
Green began his remarks by criticizing President Donald Trump, stating, “This democracy belongs to the people, it doesn’t belong to one man.” He labeled Trump an authoritarian, adding, “We are going to make sure that he knows that the people in the 18th Congressional District are going to send somebody to Congress that he fears.”
He faces a crowded Democratic field, with Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards emerging as top contenders in a 16-candidate race to complete Turner’s term. Menefee has announced plans to run in the March primary under the new 18th District lines, while Edwards has not confirmed her intentions.
Green has represented Texas’ 9th Congressional District since 2005, but that district was redrawn by Republicans to favor the GOP, shifting boundaries to eastern Harris County and Liberty County. Much of his former territory now falls within the 18th District, including Central Southwest Houston, NRG Stadium, and Missouri City.
The 18th District is considered safely Democratic, having voted for Kamala Harris by 54 percentage points in 2024. It has a long history of Black representation, sending leaders such as Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland to Congress. Green emphasized his experience representing Houston in his announcement, stating, “You know what I have done, you know what I will do.” He pledged to continue opposing Trump, promising, “I will file additional articles of impeachment to remove Donald Trump” if reelected.
Candidates can begin filing for a spot on the 2026 primary ballot Saturday, with the filing period running through Dec. 8.
