Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discussed her record and why she’s not running for reelection during a press conference on Tuesday. (Photo by ShaVonne Herndon)
After two terms, Judge Lina Hidalgo’s departure will reshape Harris County’s political landscape. Several candidates are running to replace her.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Tuesday she will not seek a third term, ending a tenure that began with a historic election and was marked by both sweeping reforms and political friction.
“Obviously, this was a difficult decision,” Hidalgo said at a press conference. “But today I am announcing that I will keep my promise not to seek more than two terms and will not be seeking a third term for Harris County judge.”
Hidalgo, 34, was elected in 2018 at just 27 years old, becoming the first woman and Latina to lead Harris County, the third-largest county in the US. Her victory also helped usher in a Democratic majority on the commissioners court, shifting the political landscape of the region.
During her time in office, Hidalgo oversaw the county’s response to major crises, including Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath and ongoing debates over criminal justice reform and public health funding.
“I’m proud that we reduced homelessness by 21% since 2019, even during the pandemic. I’m proud that we helped more than 60,000 families access high quality early childhood education,” Hidalgo said. “I’m proud that we’ve made our community safer by investing more money in law enforcement than any other county judge in history, and by widening our portfolio of other ways in which to reduce crime.”
Hidalgo said she does have one regret from her time in office, and it stems from the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” Hidalgo said. “And something that comes to mind immediately is, during COVID, you know, we were all doing the best that we could.”
She said her decision to shut down schools and how long campuses remained closed is something she wished she had reconsidered.
“One thing that I wish I had not done was to shut down the schools, certainly for as long as we did,” Hidalgo said. “My understanding was the spread was going to be very high in schools. That’s sort of what logic told the scientists. Turned out not to be the case.”
Hidalgo’s decision not to run again in 2026 comes weeks after the commissioners court formally censured her following a contentious debate over a proposed tax increase to fund child care programs. The censure marked the first time a Harris County leader had faced such a rebuke, underscoring growing tensions between Hidalgo and some commissioners.
“Look, not everybody’s going to agree with you. Sometimes it’s time to agree. Sometimes it’s time to disagree. I’m very proud of the work we’ve achieved together as a court,” Hidalgo said. “I’m not trying to satisfy any special interests. If I were, I’d want to extend my tenure as long as possible, just like my predecessors have.”
Commissioner Rodney Ellis (D-Precinct 1) commended Hidalgo’s leadership, saying she brought bold vision and resilience to Harris County during her tenure.
“From day one, she has led with courage and conviction, often under extraordinary pressure, and she has never shied away from the toughest fights,” Ellis said in a statement. “Few leaders have faced the challenges she has, and fewer still have transformed government the way she has.”
The race to succeed Hidalgo is already taking shape. Democratic contenders include former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, City Council member Letitia Plummer, and former U.S. Rep. Erica Lee Carter. On the Republican side, candidates include Houston firefighters union president Marty Lancton, Aliza Dutt, Warren Howell, Oscar Gonzales, and former county treasurer Orlando Sanchez.
The primaries are March 3, with the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
