Texas's 9th Congressional District was redrawn ahead of the 2026 cycle to include more Republican-leaning areas in eastern Harris County and Liberty County, producing a Trump +20 margin in the prior presidential contest and leaving the seat open after longtime Democratic incumbent Al Green sought another district. Alex Mealer secured the Republican nomination in a May runoff, while Leticia Gutierrez advanced as the Democratic nominee from a March primary. Forecasters rate the general election as Likely or Solid Republican. Mealer holds a substantial fundraising edge and benefits from party support in a district where structural factors and recent primary outcomes have aligned to favor the Republican nominee ahead of the November 3 vote.