Andrew Schneider/Houston Public Media

U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) ended months of speculation Friday night by declaring himself a candidate for Texas' 18 th Congressional District in 2026.

"We are here tonight, friends, because we refuse to allow President Donald Trump to decide for us who is going to represent us in the Congress of the United States of America," said Green, speaking at his campaign kickoff event at the Wyndam Houston near NRG Park.

Green has represented Texas' 9 th Congressional District for more than 20 years. He became one of the central targets of Republican redistricting efforts this past summer, following intense pressure from Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. State lawmakers moved the 9 th from solidly Democratic territory in south and southwest Houston

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