On Monday, Sept. 14, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced in an ABC13 interview that she would not be running for re-election. This decision stems from an earlier commitment she made to serve only two terms in office.
“The first time I was elected, I said immediately, ‘I don’t want to do this for 30 years. I don’t want to have more than two terms,’” Hidalgo said on the Hello Houston show.
In a separate interview with Hello Houston on Sept. 15, Hidalgo elaborated on her reasoning, reiterating her belief that “every executive position needs turnover and fresh perspective.” She noted that belief has guided her throughout her eight years in office, and she is committed to following through.
Hidalgo added, “I would be more help to the cause of progress by giving someone else an opportunity to do this.”
When asked if she would endorse a candidate in the upcoming election, Hidalgo declined, saying, “I don’t want to build an empire through somebody else that I then endorse.” Instead, she said she would let the primary play out in March and support the Democratic ticket, citing her belief that voters will choose the right successor.
Hidalgo made it clear, “This is not a farewell announcement,” and added that she may run again for political office and wants to remain in public service. She justified her decision — admittedly an uncommon one — by stating that she is “not a politician, I’m trying to do a job,” and wants to uphold her values of how an executive should behave. The announcement comes amid recent tension with the commissioners and a formal censure earlier this year.
In January, Hidalgo was censured by the Commissioners Court in a 3-1 vote for allegedly breaking decorum during proceedings. She had proposed a “penny tax,” an increase in taxes to replace disappearing federal funding for childcare programs. During the proceedings, she brought children into the courtroom in an effort to persuade colleagues to pass the proposal. The move led to a heated exchange in the usually quiet Commissioners Court.
Republican Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey introduced the censure resolution, and two Democratic commissioners, Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia, joined him in voting for it. A censure is a formal condemnation from the court of a particular official but does not affect that official’s actual standing or power.
When asked in the Sept. 14 ABC13 interview whether she regretted her actions, Hidalgo stood by her stance on childcare. “The question we should be asking is why did three commissioners — the same who voted to censure me — vote against extending early childcare for tens of thousands of families?” she said. When pressed about how she handled the situation, she replied, “I don’t think anybody does things perfectly,” and added, “The fact of the matter is that we move on. I don’t think this is a question that would be asked of a man, frankly.”
The current Commissioners Court is marked by tension and intra-party disagreements over what constitutes good governance. The next county judge may have to take a divided environment and find a way to create a productive future for Harris County.
A few candidates have already announced their bids. On the Democratic side, former Houston Mayor and Council Member Annise Parker is running, vowing to fight government waste, focus on flood prevention, prevent budget cuts and champion health care. Dr. Letitia Plummer, a Houston City Council member who served for five years, also entered the race. She promises to be a fierce fighter against hostile states and national politics and emphasizes the need for new and fresh voices. Plummer has pledged to pursue smart flood control, good-paying jobs and safe neighborhoods.
On the Republican side, Aliza Dutt, the mayor of Piney Point Village, has announced her candidacy. She has vowed to work with law enforcement to reduce crime and address immigration.
There are many more candidates running for Harris County judge. It is the duty of every citizen to research and vote in their respective primaries and general elections.
So, get to it.
