Houston’s political future is taking shape as Christian D. Menefee, the youngest and first African-American Harris County Attorney, officially launches his campaign for Congress. With a career defined by legal excellence and a commitment to public service, Menefee is stepping onto the national stage, aiming to bring bold leadership and progressive policies to Washington.

As the chief civil lawyer for Texas’ largest county, Menefee oversees a legal team of more than 250 attorneys and staff, handling critical matters for Harris County’s 60 elected officials and its 18,000+ employees. Since taking office at just 32 years old, he has tackled some of the region’s most pressing legal challenges—ranging from environmental justice to protecting voting rights—solidifying his reputation as a fighter for government transparency and accountability.

Before his tenure in public office, Menefee built an impressive legal career at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he specialized in complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy law, often representing clients in cases involving the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His legal acumen was honed even earlier at Norton Rose Fulbright, where he worked on business litigation, federal investigations, and anti-corruption cases under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Now, as he sets his sights on Congress, Menefee’s platform is expected to focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and civil rights—all critical to Houston’s diverse and rapidly expanding population. His legal expertise, combined with his deep understanding of governance, positions him as a formidable candidate in the race to succeed former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s congressional seat.

With Houston’s role as a national hub for business, technology, and culture, Menefee’s leadership could play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. As the campaign unfolds, voters will be watching closely to see how his vision aligns with Houston’s evolving needs on both a local and national scale.