Alex Mealer wins GOP nomination for new Houston congressional district, defeating state Rep. Briscoe Cain
Army veteran Alex Mealer won the Republican nomination for Texas’ 9th Congressional District Tuesday, defeating state Rep. Briscoe Cain in the primary runoff election for a newly drawn red-leaning seat in east Harris County.
Mealer, a former GOP nominee for Harris County judge, won the runoff after earning the support of Washington power players, including President Donald Trump and members of House Republican leadership.
The Associated Press called the race for Mealer shortly after 8:15 p.m.
Outside groups poured millions into the race on her behalf, leaving Cain vastly outspent. His loss also reflects a setback for Gov. Greg Abbott, who had endorsed him in the race before Trump weighed in.
Mealer will face Leticia Gutierrez, a community organizer and the Democratic nominee, in the November general election. The district includes some of Texas’ major economic powerhouses, including the Houston Ship Channel and various refineries and petrochemical production facilities.
The seat is one…