Trump-Backed Alex Mealer Wins GOP Runoff For New Houston House Seat
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Alex Mealer defeated state Rep. Briscoe Cain in the GOP runoff for a Houston-based U.S. House seat, setting up a likely Republican pickup in November.[1]
Mealer had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and by the Club for Growth, while Cain was backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and several conservative organizations.[1] Mealer is an Army combat veteran, a profile Republicans cast as a contrast to Cain's record in the state legislature.[1] He will face Democrat Leticia Gutierrez in November in a district that was redrawn and is rated noncompetitive, making a GOP flip widely expected.
The newly redrawn district is rated noncompetitive and was seen as likely to flip from Democratic to Republican control this fall. The race turned into a high-profile test of influence after Trump intervened with his endorsement and national groups poured resources on both sides.[1]
Republican officials hailed the result as proof of Trump's sway in GOP primaries, and Mealer moves on to the general election as Republicans try to translate the map edges into seats.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Alex Mealer defeated state Rep. Briscoe Cain in the GOP runoff for a Houston-based U.S. House seat.
- Mealer was endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Club for Growth; Cain was backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and several conservative organizations.
- The newly redrawn district is rated noncompetitive and is expected to flip from Democratic to Republican control in November, with Mealer facing Democrat Leticia Gutierrez.
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