Democrat · Texas's 18th District · 2026
Christian Menefee
Menefee shares his Houston home with his wife, Kaitlyn, their two sons and rescue dogs Howie and Kennedy.
Biography
Christian Menefee’s Houston household includes his wife Kaitlyn, a fellow attorney, their two sons and rescue dogs Howie and Kennedy.1 He grew up in Houston’s public schools as the son of two Coast Guard veterans, and became the first person in his family to graduate from college.1
Before public office, Menefee practiced commercial litigation, representing clients in complex federal cases and investigations.1 His pro bono work included advising the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and helping immigrant families affected by travel restrictions during President Trump’s first administration.1
He was elected Harris County Attorney, becoming the youngest person and first Black attorney elected to that office.1 The job made him the county’s chief civil law officer, representing county government in civil matters.1 He took the congressional oath on February 2, 2026, joining the House to represent Texas’s 18th District.2 In June, he and Representative Janelle Bynum introduced the All In for Attendance Act, a proposal allowing schools to use federal education funds for attendance support.3
Menefee serves on Oversight and Government Reform and on Science, Space and Technology, and identifies voting rights and environmental justice among his priorities.1 In April 2026, he introduced the SET Act, a proposal establishing a national 180 day deadline for completing elections to fill House vacancies.4 He faces Republican Ronald Whitfield in November.5
Record and controversies
Late stock disclosures
In June 2026, NOTUS reported that Menefee disclosed five February stock sales after the 45 day deadline.67 Menefee said he had completed the reports but mistakenly left them in draft status, then filed them and notified the House Ethics Committee after discovering the mistake.6 He said he requested a fee waiver and would pay if it was denied; a later public resolution of the waiver was not verified in the October 29 check.6 The documented issue is late disclosure, rather than a finding of insider trading.6