Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee is running for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, a seat with a rich and historic legacy. The district was previously held by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and former Mayor Sylvester Turner briefly held the position before he passed. Menefee, who has served as Harris County Attorney, is bringing his extensive legal and public service experience to the race.

In my interview with Menefee, it was clear that he is both relaxed and energized, excited about meeting people throughout his grassroots campaign. He expressed gratitude and humility as he recounted hearing from constituents who are enthusiastic about voting for him but reluctant to see him leave the Harris County Attorney’s Office, where he has accomplished so much—including protecting voting rights, combating environmental injustice, and leading other initiatives to serve the community. Menefee credited his team for these achievements, emphasizing that the office’s staff is highly capable and will continue to fight effectively for the people of Harris County even after he moves on to Congress.

Menefee highlighted the historic importance of the congressional seat, noting that the district’s residents are deeply engaged and protective of their representation. He also spoke about his approach to campaign advertising, sharing that his latest ads showcase a more personal and relatable side of him, reflecting his family life and cultural roots.

Bipartisan Problem-Solving and Public Health
Menefee has highlighted his capacity to work across party lines while staying steadfast on critical issues. He collaborated with Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey to oppose the expansion of the Hawthorn Park Recycling & Disposal Facility in the Carverdale community, a historically Black neighborhood in northwest Houston, prioritizing environmental justice and the health and quality of life of local residents over partisan considerations.

Public health has also been a central focus of his tenure. The Texas Attorney General’s Office, under Ken Paxton, and the Harris County Attorney’s Office, under Menefee, have both taken legal action against e-cigarette company JUUL for its deceptive marketing to young people—securing one of the largest local government settlements in the nation. Menefee stressed that he will hold the line for his community and constituents while continuing to collaborate across party lines.

Environmental Justice and Infrastructure
Menefee has been active in environmental justice initiatives, including lawsuits to prevent harmful industrial operations in predominantly Black and Brown communities. He led efforts to involve the federal government in contaminated site cleanups and fought for stricter oversight of concrete batch plants. On infrastructure, Menefee aims to secure federal funds to improve water systems, reduce illegal dumping, and build sidewalks in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring safer, healthier communities.

Energy and Jobs
Menefee has emphasized a balanced energy strategy that recognizes the importance of both traditional oil and gas industries and renewable energy sectors in Texas’ economy. He has stated that he would never support legislation that eliminates jobs in the district, home to one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the world—a critical hub for the global energy industry. Menefee supports policies that promote economic growth and job security while gradually transitioning toward cleaner energy sources.

He also advocates for workforce development initiatives that help workers in traditional energy sectors move into skilled trades or renewable energy roles. Menefee has supported efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure, including initiatives to restore funding for solar programs and other energy projects, ensuring the district’s economy and workforce remain competitive as the energy landscape evolves.

Healthcare and Economic Equity
Menefee’s personal experience with family health shaped his policy priorities. He believes in Medicare for All, advocating for a single-payer, universal healthcare system to ensure no one dies or sees their life shortened because they are uninsured or underinsured. He also supports policies that address wealth and income inequality, including backing a surtax on billionaires to fund social safety net programs.

Housing and Flood Protection
Menefee supports expanding attainable housing in the district to prevent families from being forced into the suburbs due to cost. He aims to streamline regulations for residential construction and expand the National Flood Insurance Program, ensuring families can safely afford homes in Houston and surrounding areas.

Commitment to Constituents
Throughout the interview, Menefee stressed that his first obligation is to the people of the 18th District. He emphasized accountability, practical problem-solving, and listening to the community while maintaining integrity and independence, even if it means breaking ranks with party leadership. In my interview with Menefee, it was great to see him relaxed, yet excited—energized by the people he is meeting along the way during his grassroots campaign. He remained thankful yet humble as he reflected on hearing how people plan to vote for him while expressing reluctance to see him leave the Harris County Attorney’s Office, where he has made significant contributions, including protecting voters’ rights and combating environmental injustice. He humbly noted that these achievements were a team effort, with a highly capable staff ready to continue fighting for the people of Harris County.

Christian Menefee’s Key Priorities for the 18th Congressional District

• Advocating for working families and ensuring policies benefit everyday Texans.
• Championing environmental justice and stronger federal oversight in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
• Supporting Medicare for All and a single-payer, universal healthcare system.
• Expanding affordable housing and improving flood protection.
• Protecting public health, including leading the legal action against JUUL to prevent youth nicotine addiction.
• Demonstrating bipartisan problem-solving, exemplified by working with Republican leaders on local environmental issues.
• Supporting minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses in government contracting.
• Maintaining a constituent-first approach, prioritizing results over political headlines.
• Bringing experience “in the trenches” from Harris County government to navigate complex legislation in Congress

Learn more at: https://christianmenefee.com/