Al Green has been forced into a Democratic primary runoff after falling short of the 50% threshold required to win outright in the race for Texas's 18th congressional district.

With nearly all votes counted, Green received about 44.2% of the vote, while challenger Christian Menefee secured roughly 46%, sending the race to a runoff scheduled for May 26. Green, 78, has represented parts of the Houston area in Congress since 2005, while Menefee is 37.

Green chose to run in the redrawn 18th District after Republicans altered the boundaries of his previous district, making it more favorable to GOP candidates. The move set up a competitive Democratic primary between the veteran congressman and the younger county official.

The race has featured sharp exchanges between the two candidates. Green accused Menefee of making a “deal with the devil” to gain support from the cryptocurrency industry, arguing that such backing aligned his opponent with what he described as “Trump crypto cronies.”

Menefee pushed back against the criticism during remarks to supporters, accusing the longtime congressman of running a negative campaign.

“Congressman, you can talk all your trash about me,” Menefee said. “I’m going to keep being focused on integrity, on standing firm, on doing the right thing, and on serving my communities.”

Green responded by saying he was “talking truthful trash” when making accusations about Menefee and questioned whether his opponent had consistently shown up for work.

The veteran lawmaker has drawn national attention in recent years for a series of high-profile confrontations in Congress. He was removed from the chamber during the State of the Union after interrupting the president’s speech and displaying a banner reading, “Black people aren’t apes,” referencing a controversial video posted online.

Green was also previously censured by the House after interrupting another presidential address to a joint session of Congress. Additionally, he has faced sexual harassment allegations in the past, which he has denied.

The winner of the Democratic runoff will advance to the general election to face Republican nominee Ronald Whitfield, who won his party’s primary with about 55.1% of the vote over Elizabeth Vences, who received roughly 44.9%.