Texas Democrat thrown out of Trump’s State of the Union fighting for his political life
The Texas Democrat who confronted Donald Trump the last two times the president addressed a joint session of Congress -- and was kicked out of the chamber as a result -- will face a fellow incumbent in a primary runoff.
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, whose Houston-area district was carved up by the state Legislature, came in second in Tuesday night’s Democratic primary for Texas’ 18th Congressional District with 44.2% of the vote, according to the Associated Press.
Green squares off against Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Texas, who topped him with 46% of the vote, in the primary runoff.
He was booted from the State of the Union last week after waving a sign at President Donald Trump that said “Black people aren’t apes,” a reference to a video Trump reposted to his Truth Social account depicting the former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes.
In 2025, Green was kicked out of Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress after taking issue with Trump maintaining that he had a mandate after his 2024 election victory.
The outburst prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to caution Green to behave.
Green continued to raise his cane as Republican members tried to drown out his protests.
“Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum,” Johnson said, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session.”
“Mr. Green, take your seat,” the speaker continued. “Take your seat, sir.”
Green did not heed the warning.
“There is no mandate,” the Texas Democrat said.
Johnson then called on the sergeant at arms to “remove this gentleman from the chamber.”
Green was then led out of the chamber to cheers from Republicans, who chanted “na na na na hey hey hey goodbye.”