Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee narrowly won re-election Tuesday, edging former civil court judge Jacqueline Lucci Smith.
Menefee emerged from early and absentee balloting ahead of Smith, but his lead remained within reach of the challenger through most of the night as votes were counted. In complete but unofficial returns, that lead stood up, cementing Menefee’s victory early Wednesday.
“This race was certainly surprising,” said Menefee. “But ultimately, you know, whether we win by one vote or 100,000 votes, it’s still a win. So I’m happy to get back to work for the people of Harris County.”
For Lucci Smith, a race so neck and neck is an example of what’s to come for Harris County in two years – when she believes Republicans may edge out Democrats finally. However, the private lawyer doesn’t know what the future holds for her.
“I’m a woman of faith. I just believe that God put me in the race for a reason, but He obviously has another plan for me,” said Lucci Smith, 60. “So I’m okay with the results.”
Meanwhile, Menefee said the race is indicative of the federal election.
“We’re going to reevaluate and figure out how best to connect with everyday folks and tell them about the great work we’re doing for them,” Menefee said.
Menefee first was elected in 2020 as the first Black Harris County attorney at 32, making him the youngest to ever serve in the role. His campaign and subsequent time as attorney largely focused on environmental justice issues and implementing stricter regulations for industrial facilities in the Harris County area.
Before being elected, worked in business litigation in the private sector and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and Washington University in Saint Louis as a first-generation college student.
Since taking office, Menefee filed an intent to sue Union Pacific Railroad in 2022 with the City of Houston and the nonprofit Bayou City Initiative over the creosote contamination in Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward. The EPA is now testing the area. In 2023, Menefee’s office filed a lawsuit to halt Waste Management’s expansion of a landfill in the Carverdale community—an action that pushed the company to withdraw its application.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also strengthened its concrete batch plant air quality permit in 2024 after Menefee’s office filed a lawsuit against the TCEQ and a Title VI complaint for civil rights violations. The stronger permit now includes dust emission controls and maximum production limits.
Lucci Smith – Menefee’s Republican opponent – had a different take on environmental regulation, which included fewer lawsuits. She describes herself as “common sense conservative” who will work with industry and regulators proactively to follow the law and prevent fines.
“Think of all the problems you can avoid if you just call the (county) attorney first,” said Lucci Smith.
Looking ahead, Menefee is concerned about the changes in federal administration – expressing worries over the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice team and future partnerships with the EPA over enforcement. Nonetheless, Menefee said he plans to keep a strong relationship with the feds.
“We’re going to approach this with an open mind with the goal of helping communities,” Menfee said.
Along with the environment, he wants to focus on consumer protection and going after companies involved in scams and fraud. He also said he’ll keep fighting Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton from “governing Harris County from Austin” in issues like local control and budgeting.
“We’ve built this county into a state leader on environmental enforcement,” Menefee said. “We want to continue finding ways to ensure that communities have clean air and clean water.”
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