HOUSTON – Texas voters head to the polls Tuesday in several closely watched runoff elections, including a high-profile Democratic congressional matchup in Houston and the Republican U.S. Senate runoff drawing national attention.
In Houston’s newly constructed 18th Congressional District, longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green faces freshman U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee in a race centered on experience versus a new generation of leadership.
Green defended his decades in Congress during an interview with KPRC 2 on Monday, pointing to federal funding he helped secure for flooding relief and small businesses.
“I am not running to say what I will do, I am running on what I have done,” Green said.
The congressman also emphasized the value of seniority in Washington.
“Because I have seniority and I have experience… I’m in the top 50 in Congress,” Green said.
Menefee, meanwhile, said voters across the district are ready for change.
“Folks are ready for change. Everywhere I go throughout our communities I hear people saying it’s time to pass the baton, it’s time to pass the torch,” Menefee said.
Menefee also said his campaign is focused on lowering costs for working families.
“My goal is to lower costs and to put more money back in people’s pockets,” he said.
The winner of Tuesday’s Democratic runoff will advance to the November general election.
Meanwhile, the Republican Senate runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton is also drawing national attention. The winner will face Democrat James Talarico in November.
In a statement to KPRC 2, Cornyn campaign spokesman Matt Mackowiak said:
“Senator Cornyn has fought for Texas in the US Senate. The stakes could not be higher in the midterms and Ken Paxton would be a disaster as the nominee. Senator Cornyn will continue representing Texas with honesty and integrity if given the chance and he’s asking for your vote on Tuesday.”
KPRC 2 has also reached out to Paxton’s campaign and is still awaiting a response.
Polling locations across Texas open Tuesday morning and close at 7 p.m. Election results and continuing coverage will be available on air and online at click2houston.com