Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she will not run for reelection in 2026. Hidalgo, a Democrat, was first elected in 2019 as the county’s first female judge and will step down when her term ends, as reported by KHOU.
Candidates are preparing to run for the upcoming vacancy. Democratic candidates include former Mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Councilmember Dr. Letitia Plummer, according to Click2Houston. Republican candidates include Houston Firefighters' Union leader Marty Lancton, Piney Point Village Mayor Aliza Dutt, businessman Warren Howell, and Oscar Gonzales. Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has also announced her run after winning a special election. The primary is scheduled for March 2026, with the winner moving on to the November 2026 general election.
Hidalgo served as county judge during the COVID-19 pandemic and several severe weather events. Her office faced budget debates and conflicts with local officials, including a censure by the Commissioners Court. On the budget, she told reporters, "The proposal I’m seeing that they say balances the budget, which is fewer resources for emergency response, longer wait times for court hearings, and case processing, cuts to domestic violence response," as per KHOU. She focused on mental health programs, especially for young students, saying in her 2025 State of the County Address, "As you know, it's a very personal topic for me," and noting a $20 million investment in these programs. Hidalgo took a two-month leave for inpatient treatment for depression and has said she will stay active in politics after her term ends.
Harris County will see new leadership after the upcoming elections. The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, and the general election for November 3, 2026. These elections will determine the next county judge and the future direction of the office following Hidalgo's tenure.
