HOUSTON – The political battle for Texas’ 18th Congressional District escalated this week after freshman Congressman Christian Menefee pushed back against criticism from longtime incumbent Al Green over missed votes in Congress, accusing his runoff opponent of fueling divisions that Republican leaders hoped to create when they redrew the district.
- PREVIOUS REPORT: ‘Truthful trash’: Al Green, Christian Menefee clash ahead of runoff
In a statement released to KPRC 2 News, Menefee defended his early record in Washington and said he began working for the district immediately after being sworn into office.
“After Greg Abbott left this seat vacant for nearly a year, I got to work the moment I was sworn in,” Menefee said. “In just a few weeks, I’ve cast dozens of votes for this district, hired staff, started working to bring federal dollars back to our communities, and begun meeting with residents about the issues that matter most to them. I am on the job.”
The exchange comes as the two Democrats head to the May runoff following this week’s primary in Texas’ newly redrawn 18th district.
Green, who has represented the Houston-area in the 9th Congressional District for more than two decades, criticized Menefee in recent days, arguing the freshman lawmaker has missed important votes and briefings while campaigning.
According to GovTrack.us, a non-governmental website that tracks congressional activity, Menefee missed several roll call votes during a period in February.
Green also claimed Menefee skipped a classified congressional briefing related to the Iran missile strikes.
“He missed a classified briefing on the war,” Green said in a phone interview this week. “At some point, reality has set in. He’s got to come work.”
Green has also argued that the runoff will be an opportunity to contrast his decades of experience in Congress with Menefee’s brief tenure.
Even though she supports Menefee’s campaign, activist Dr. Candice Matthews, who has posted about him missing votes, said elected officials must remain accountable when questions about attendance arise.
“I endorsed Congressman Menefee, and that does not exempt him from accountability,” Matthews said. “My endorsement was based on the expectation that he would show up and do the work for the people.”
Menefee said the attacks play into the hands of Republican leaders who redrew congressional boundaries in Texas.
“Congressman Green going negative is exactly what Donald Trump and Greg Abbott envisioned when they redrew these maps to force two Black Democratic leaders into the same district,” Menefee said. “They wanted to strip our communities of real representation and hand the seat to Republicans, all while a 20 year member of Congress attacks a member on the same team who just stepped foot in the door. We shouldn’t fall for that trap.”
The May runoff will determine the Democratic nominee in the Houston-area district, which has historically been a Democratic stronghold but is now navigating new political boundaries after the state’s latest redistricting fight.
Congressman Christian Menefee’s statement to KPRC 2 News:
“After Greg Abbott left this seat vacant for nearly a year, I got to work the moment I was sworn in. In just a few weeks, I’ve cast dozens of votes for this district, hired staff, started working to bring federal dollars back to our communities, and begun meeting with residents about the issues that matter most to them. I am on the job.
“I also know what it means to get things done in public office. As the youngest and first Black Harris County Attorney, I beat Donald Trump and Greg Abbott in court to protect our healthcare by securing millions of dollars in funding, our voting rights by making sure every ballot was counted, and our right to clean air and water. I did that while running a 300-person office and transforming it into a place that actually fights for people and delivers real results.
“Congressman Green going negative is exactly what Donald Trump and Greg Abbott envisioned when they redrew these maps to force two Black Democratic leaders into the same district. They wanted to strip our communities of real representation and hand the seat to Republicans, all while a 20 year member of Congress attacks a member on the same team who just stepped foot in the door. We shouldn’t fall for that trap.
“We won the most votes on election night by focusing on the people of TX-18 and making their life better. I’m going to keep doing that.”
Congressman Christian Menefee