"The county attorney's office is filled with talented, selfless public servants," Menefee said in a statement. "It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve alongside them. I knew when I decided to run, the office would remain in good hands. I have no doubt that the office will continue to provide the same level of service to the county and its residents moving forward."
Until commissioners appoint the new individual, the Texas Constitution requires Menefee to serve as acting county attorney. Roxanne Werner, communications director with the county attorney's office, said in an email that whoever commissioners appoint will hold the office until a successor is elected and qualified after the November 2026 general election.
The background
Menefee has served as Harris County attorney since first winning the seat in 2021. More than four months after winning his re-election during the November general election, Menefee announced his formal campaign to run for Congress.
"I’m running for Congress because working families need a fighter in Washington," Menefee said in a March 18 news release.
How we got here
The congressional seat Menefee is seeking, Texas' 18th Congressional District, covers Downtown Houston as well as large areas in North Houston. The vacancy comes after the March 4 passing of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who won the seat during a special election held in November.
Before Turner, District 18 was formerly occupied by Sheila Jackson Lee, who died last July from pancreatic cancer.
Sorting out details
The Harris County attorney position will be placed on the 2026 ballot, Werner said, both in the partisan and general election. Two years later, the position will also be placed on the 2028 primary and general election, to re-align the seat with its standard election term timeline.
