Christian Menefee is the 37-year-old U.S. Representative for Texas's 18th Congressional District, having been elected in a special runoff on January 31, 2026, to replace the late Sylvester Turner. He previously served as Harris County Attorney from 2021 to 2026, making him the youngest and first African American elected to that position. Menefee is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and holds a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He worked as a commercial litigator and attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund before entering public service. Menefee is the son of two military veterans and was raised in the 18th Congressional District. He won the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary with 46% of the vote, forcing a runoff against Al Green scheduled for May 26, 2026.
Christian Menefee was born and raised in Texas's 18th Congressional District by two military parents. He is a first-generation college graduate who attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Before his election as Harris County Attorney in 2020, Menefee worked as a commercial litigator and attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, gaining experience in civil rights and litigation. As Harris County Attorney (2021-2026), he became the youngest and first African American elected to the position. His tenure was marked by aggressive litigation against the Trump administration on issues including voting rights, federal funding, and environmental policy. He is married with two children and lives in the 18th Congressional District.