FOX 26 provided the election results and background context for the race.

Menefee ran a grassroots fundraising model with many donations under $100, while his supporters included figures such as John Arnold and Amber Mostyn; Green drew contributions from various industry and labor PACs.

Protect Progress, a crypto-aligned super PAC, spent over $4 million backing Menefee, including $1.5 million before the primary and additional spending before the runoff.

The sizable crypto-focused spending helped give Menefee a funding edge and contributed to what the race calls the most expensive House runoff in Texas.

In Houston, Democratic candidate Christian Menefee won the runoff for the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District, defeating long-time incumbent Al Green and setting up a November showdown against Republican Ronald Whitfield.

Menefee, 38, previously served as Harris County attorney starting in 2021 and ran on change and reform, aiming to address affordable housing, health care access, and economic opportunity.

Crypto-focused fundraising surged in the race, with Fairshake-affiliated groups raising hundreds of millions in 2024 and 2026, including major crypto backers like Coinbase, Ripple, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Experts note super PACs signaled industry-friendly positions, with crypto-aligned groups backing Menefee and criticizing Green for opposing crypto-related bills such as the GENIUS Act.

Both candidates emphasized affordability—rising costs, groceries, housing, and living expenses—advocating measures like higher minimum wage, expanded health care, and expanded Pell Grants.

Support from Protect Progress claimed to have been decisive in Green’s defeat, amid concerns about anti-crypto sentiment in the district.

Menefee argued for progress and highlighted the need for results from day one, challenging the sufficiency of seniority in Congress.

The race occurred within a broader context of Texas redistricting that created more GOP-favorable seats, though the 18th District remained a Democratic-leaning seat.