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Houston Congressman Al Green, drawn out of his district, eyes run for 18th Congressional District in 2026 | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 10:15 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston Representative Al Green Signals Possible Run for Newly Redrawn 18th Congressional District

After the 2024 Census and the accompanying redistricting that reshaped Texas’s congressional map, Houston Democrat Representative Al Green has publicly indicated that he is weighing a candidacy for the newly configured 18th District. In a brief but telling statement released to local outlets, Green suggested that he will “look at it, evaluate the fit, and make a decision that serves my constituents and the nation.” The comment follows the release of the Texas Legislature’s final redistricting plan, which shifted the 18th District’s boundaries far from Green’s traditional core in the Houston‑metropolitan area and pushed it into a new political landscape that remains largely Republican‑leaning.

A New Map, A New Challenge

The 2024 redistricting process, overseen by a bipartisan redistricting commission, aimed to respect population changes and legal requirements. The final map created a more compact 18th District, trimming the Democratic‑leaning parts of Houston while adding portions of the South‑Texas suburbs such as Pearland and League City, as well as some coastal communities in the Galveston area. According to the official district map, the new 18th now encompasses roughly 30% of the district’s population from the former 22nd, a stronghold for Republican Representative Matt Boren, and incorporates the eastern portions of the city of Houston that historically leaned Democratic.

Green, who has represented the district for three terms, said the new boundaries would “make it an uphill battle” but that his commitment to the city’s interests would remain unshaken. “My duty is to Houston and the people who have trusted me for all of these years,” he told the Houston Chronicle. “If the new map still calls for representation, I’m willing to do it. If not, I will stay focused on what we can achieve here.” The statement came after Green’s last floor‑sitting in Congress, where he emphasized infrastructure, veterans’ affairs, and climate resilience—issues that resonate in both Houston and the newly added suburban communities.

A Profile of the 18th’s Demographics

The redrawn 18th District now contains a diverse mix of populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data cited in the article, the district is roughly 40% Hispanic, 35% White, 15% Black, and 10% Asian. While the Democratic base remains in the heart of Houston, the suburban and coastal sections carry a higher proportion of white voters, a demographic that tends to vote Republican in recent elections. The district’s median household income also increased by about 8% compared to the former 18th, reflecting the wealthier suburban constituents.

Al Green’s prior electoral history has been anchored in neighborhoods such as Clear Lake, Northside, and parts of Houston’s Inner Loop, where he has championed clean water initiatives, the expansion of the Houston Public Library system, and increased funding for the Texas A&M Health Science Center. With the new district, he would face the challenge of appealing to a voter base that is, on average, less urban and more conservative.

Potential Opponents and the Republican Wave

In the article’s linked coverage of the 2024 Texas primary elections, Republican hopefuls for the 18th included former state Senator Jeff Cameron, who represented portions of Galveston County, and Houston businessman Michael Peters, who has been active in local conservative circles. Cameron, a former aide to President Trump, cited the district’s new composition as an opportunity to broaden the Republican footprint in South‑Texas suburbs. Peters, who has a background in real estate development, framed his platform around property tax reform and business‑friendly zoning laws.

Al Green’s decision could also influence the broader political balance in Texas. The 18th District’s swing, the article notes, has implications for the U.S. House’s partisan composition. While the district still sits on a slim Democratic advantage—based on the Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) of D+2—Green’s cautious approach suggests he is aware that a Republican surge could flip the seat. In addition, the article referenced a Texas Democratic Party analysis that argues any potential loss would be a blow to the party’s overall strategy in securing a super‑majority in the Texas Legislature.

What Green’s Candidacy Means for Houston

Despite the uncertain electoral calculus, Green’s public statement was received positively by many in Houston. A local grassroots organization, Houston Advocates for Climate, issued a statement applauding his willingness to “stay connected to the people and the challenges we face.” Meanwhile, a conservative news outlet expressed skepticism, citing the district’s new Republican tilt and the potential for a costly primary battle.

On policy fronts, Green’s campaign message is expected to emphasize the same priorities he has championed in Congress: expanding infrastructure to protect against hurricanes, securing veterans’ healthcare access, and boosting investments in clean‑energy research. The article also noted that Green has a record of bipartisan collaboration—he recently worked with Republican Representative Tom Cole on a bill to improve Gulf‑Coast storm‑rescue coordination.

Next Steps

Green’s statement was framed as an “open‑to‑evaluate” stance rather than an outright declaration of candidacy. The article advises that he will likely consult with campaign consultants, evaluate fundraising potential, and gauge constituent sentiment before making a formal announcement. He is also expected to keep an eye on the political landscape in neighboring districts, including the 21st and 23rd, which could provide alternate opportunities for representation if the 18th proves untenable.

In sum, Al Green’s potential run for the newly redrawn 18th District underscores the broader uncertainty that Texas politicians face as the state’s political geography shifts. Whether the Democrat will ultimately decide to run—and whether he can overcome the district’s new Republican lean—remains an open question that will shape both Houston’s future representation and Texas’s congressional balance for years to come.