
‘True to her principles’: Harris County leaders reflect on Lina Hidalgo’s tenure as county judge
Hidalgo's two-term stint as county judge has been marked by successes, such as helping Houston-area residents navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and public spats with other local elected officials, including fellow Democrats.
Houston Public Media
Lina Hidalgo will not seek reelection as Harris County Judge in 2026
Her announcement — which came months after candidates began announcing their intentions to run for her position next year — was aired in an exclusive sit-down interview with Houston TV station ABC13 late Monday. Hidalgo, 34, will continue serving as the county's top elected official until December 2026.
Houston Public Media
Firefighters union leader Marty Lancton running for Harris County Judge, backed by notable GOP figures
Lancton is so far the most notable Republican candidate in the 2026 race for Harris County Judge, a seat that has been held since 2018 by Democrat Lina Hidalgo, who became the first woman and Latina to serve as the county's top elected official.
Houston Public Media
Survey: Former Mayor Annise Parker favored by voters for 2016 Harris County Judge election
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo overall received the lowest net-approval rating based on job performance of any elected Harris County official included in the survey — including all county commissioners, District Attorney Sean Teare, and County Attorney Christian Menefee.
Houston Public Media
Texas AG Ken Paxton opens investigation into allegations of ‘potential noncitizens’ voting in Harris County
The investigation, which also targets Cameron, Eastland and Guadalupe counties, comes ahead of a special legislative session in which state lawmakers will consider giving the attorney general's office the authority to prosecute election crimes. A Houston attorney says the probe is part of a "smoke and mirrors game" to diminish the influence of Democratic voters.
Houston Public Media
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to announce reelection intentions in ‘coming weeks’
Hidalgo, a 34-year-old Democrat, was first elected in 2018 and then reelected in 2022. Other candidates have emerged for the 2026 election, including fellow Democrat Annise Parker, a former Houston mayor.
Houston Public Media
Despite calling for more GOP leaders in Harris County, former DA Kim Ogg remains in Democratic Party
Ogg said she will make the switch on her own time — and not fall under pressure from within her own political party. Her comments come as the former district attorney in recent months has indicated support for Republican policies and condemned what she calls an encroachment of the liberal government in the Democratic Party.
Houston Public Media
Weekend runoff elections in Fort Bend, Harris counties result in new mayoral appointments, tie
Bianca Valerio and Bruce Leamon were tied with 272 votes each for the City of Pasadena's Councilmember District B position.
Houston Public Media
Final GOP-backed 2022 Harris County election challenge struck down by appeals court
The ruling by Texas' Fourteenth Court of Appeals determined there was insufficient evidence to support Chris Daniel's challenge of the results in the race for Harris County District Clerk.
Houston Public Media