Who’s Running for Harris County Judge in 2026 — And Who Has the Edge

HOUSTON — With Lina Hidalgo stepping aside at the end of her second term, Harris County’s top elected position is officially up for grabs. The 2026 race for County Judge is already drawing a crowded field of political heavyweights and first-time contenders — setting the stage for one of the most closely watched local elections in Texas.

From former mayors to union leaders and rising political names, the list of candidates already paints a picture of a county at a political crossroads — with voters set to choose the direction of public safety, infrastructure, disaster response, and fiscal leadership for the next four years.

The Democrats: Experience vs. Energy

Three prominent Democrats are either officially in the race or strongly positioned to join:

Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston, was the first major name to announce. With decades of political experience, Parker is running on a platform of infrastructure investment, safety, and leadership stability. Her tenure as mayor (2010–2016) gives her strong name recognition and a base among moderate Democrats.

“We need steady hands to guide Harris County through unprecedented growth and challenges,” Parker said during her June campaign launch.

Letitia Plummer, a former At-Large Houston City Council member, brings a more progressive and grassroots-driven approach. A practicing dentist and the first Muslim woman elected to city council, Plummer is focusing on climate resilience, equitable infrastructure, and expanding the role of county government in disaster response.

“We must lead with compassion and preparedness,” Plummer said. “I’m running to be the people’s judge — ready to serve every neighborhood in every crisis.”

Erica Lee Carter, a former congressional candidate and daughter of longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, is expected to enter the race now that Hidalgo has confirmed she will not run. Carter brings experience in education policy and county operations, and would likely appeal to younger voters and progressives looking for fresh leadership.

The Republicans: Ready to Challenge

Despite Harris County leaning Democratic in recent years, Republicans are not sitting this race out — and the field is growing.

Aliza Dutt, the current mayor of Piney Point Village, was the first Republican to enter the race and has quickly emerged as the GOP frontrunner. A former energy analyst and immigrant from Pakistan, Dutt has built her platform around law enforcement, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure improvement.

“We need a county judge who puts residents first — not partisan politics,” Dutt said in her campaign rollout. She reported a $1 million fundraising haul earlier this year, although much of it came from a personal loan.

Marty Lancton, a longtime firefighters’ union leader, brings a public safety-first message to his campaign. Endorsed by conservative business leaders like Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Lancton is campaigning on restoring trust in county leadership and boosting support for law enforcement and first responders.
Orlando Sanchez, a familiar name in Harris County politics, is also rumored to be considering a run. A former Harris County Treasurer and past mayoral candidate, Sanchez could appeal to older Republican voters and fiscal conservatives, though he has not formally launched a campaign.

Who Has the Edge?

Top Democratic Contenders

Annise Parker enters as the most seasoned and well-known figure in the race, and her long public service record may resonate with voters seeking experience and steady leadership. However, she’ll need to navigate a primary that could split between progressive and centrist factions.

Letitia Plummer is seen as the primary’s progressive alternative, potentially pulling in young, diverse voters and those looking to continue Hidalgo’s activist-oriented legacy. Erica Lee Carter, if she enters, could reshape the race by activating the Jackson Lee political network and energizing Black and Latino voters.

Republican Outlook

Aliza Dutt is considered the GOP’s strongest bet to flip the seat, thanks to her early fundraising lead and disciplined campaign messaging. However, Harris County’s recent leftward trend means she faces an uphill battle in a general election.

Marty Lancton’s public safety credentials and conservative endorsements could help him dominate the Republican primary — but he’ll need to broaden his appeal to be competitive in November 2026.

What’s at Stake?

The Harris County Judge role is one of the most powerful in the state, overseeing a $5 billion budget, emergency response coordination, flood mitigation efforts, and major infrastructure investments. With issues like crime, climate resilience, and property taxes front and center, voters will be looking for candidates who combine vision with practical governance.

The outcome could also signal broader political trends in Texas — especially as Democrats aim to solidify their hold on urban centers, and Republicans test strategies to win back suburban voters.

Bottom Line:

Annise Parker currently leads among Democrats, with strong experience and a wide network.
Letitia Plummer and Erica Lee Carter could challenge Parker by appealing to progressives and younger voters.
Aliza Dutt leads the Republican field but must overcome Harris County’s Democratic tilt.
Marty Lancton is gaining momentum among conservatives but will need broader support to win county-wide.

With more than a year until the general election, the race remains wide open — but the battle lines are already forming in what may become the most consequential local race in Texas in 2026.