Veteran Texas Democrat Al Green lost his reelection bid Tuesday after a redistricting battle forced him into a high-stakes runoff against fellow Democrat Christian Menefee.
According to Fox News, Menefee defeated Green in the Democratic runoff for Texas’ heavily blue 18th Congressional District, ending the longtime congressman’s run after years as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics on Capitol Hill.
The Houston-area contest became one of the most closely watched races in Texas after new district lines placed both incumbents in the same seat.
Under Texas law, candidates must win a majority vote to avoid a runoff election.
During the March primary, Menefee received 46% of the vote while Green earned 44.2%, forcing the two Democrats into Tuesday’s showdown.
Green built a national profile during both Trump administrations through repeated impeachment efforts and protests during presidential addresses to Congress.
He was removed from multiple State of the Union speeches after interrupting proceedings to protest Trump.
After the March primary, Green pointed to outside spending as a major factor behind the unexpectedly tight race.
The congressman claimed the cryptocurrency industry spent roughly $1.5 million opposing his campaign.
Green also criticized Menefee during the campaign, accusing the younger lawmaker of lacking experience and failing to consistently show up for votes early in his congressional career following his work as an attorney.
Menefee campaigned as a newer voice for Democrats and argued that fresh leadership was needed in Washington.
The runoff marked a significant political shift in Houston-area Democratic politics, with one of the party’s most recognizable progressive figures losing his seat because of the new congressional map.
Menefee will now face Republican Ronald Whitfield in the November general election.
However, Democrats are expected to maintain control of the district, which remains heavily Democratic despite the redrawn boundaries.
