HOUSTON — With Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirming she will not seek re-election in 2026, a high-stakes political race is now underway to determine who will lead Texas’ most populous county into its next chapter. A mix of seasoned public officials and fresh faces from both major parties are already vying for the powerful position — one that oversees the county’s $5 billion budget, emergency response, infrastructure, and public safety.
Hidalgo, a Democrat first elected in 2018 at just 27 years old, made history as the first woman and first Latina to hold the office. After two terms marked by bold progressive policies, political clashes, and steady leadership through disasters including Hurricane Nicholas and COVID-19, she announced earlier this week she will step aside at the end of her term.
“I said from the beginning that I believed in term limits, and I meant it,” Hidalgo said during her announcement. “It’s time for new leadership to build on the progress we’ve made.”
The Democratic Field: Experience Meets Energy
So far, two Democrats have officially announced their candidacies.
Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston (2010–2016), brings deep experience and broad name recognition to the race. Parker, who also served as city controller and councilmember, announced her campaign in June with a focus on infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth.
“I’m running to ensure Harris County stays safe, affordable, and thriving,” Parker said in her campaign launch.
Challenging Parker from the progressive flank is Letitia Plummer, a current Houston City Council At-Large member and practicing dentist. Plummer, the first Muslim woman elected to city council, is running on a platform centered on disaster resilience, equitable infrastructure, and expanding county services.
“The county judge must be proactive in protecting communities, especially during extreme weather events,” Plummer said. “We need someone who understands the urgency of investing in our future now.”
Other potential Democratic contenders may still enter the race, including Erica Lee Carter, a former congressional candidate and daughter of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. While Carter has not formally declared, sources close to her say she is strongly considering a run.
Republican Candidates Eye a Flip
Despite recent Democratic wins in Harris County, Republicans see 2026 as a possible opportunity to flip the county judge seat — especially with Hidalgo stepping down.
Three Republicans have declared their candidacies so far:
- Aliza Dutt, mayor of Piney Point Village and former energy analyst, is focusing her campaign on law enforcement support, tax reform, and transparency. Dutt made headlines earlier this year after reporting a $1 million fundraising haul — though much of it came from personal loans to her campaign.
- Marty Lancton, longtime Houston firefighters’ union leader, has positioned himself as a champion of public safety and fiscal discipline. Backed by local conservatives, including businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Lancton promises to bring “common sense leadership” to county government.
- Orlando Sanchez, a veteran of local politics and former Harris County Treasurer, entered the race quietly but is expected to leverage his decades-long name recognition and moderate Republican appeal.
The Stakes Are High
The Harris County Judge is not a judicial position, but rather the county’s chief executive — responsible for coordinating disaster response, overseeing the Commissioners Court, and shaping policies that affect nearly 5 million residents.
Key issues dominating the 2026 race include:
- Public safety and law enforcement support
- Infrastructure and flood mitigation
- Emergency preparedness and climate resilience
- Property taxes and affordability
- Government transparency and efficiency
With both parties fielding competitive slates, the 2026 race is already shaping up as one of the most closely watched contests in Texas.
Political observers say Democrats begin with an edge, given Harris County’s leftward trend in recent elections. However, Republicans believe that frustrations over crime, taxes, and cost of living could bring swing voters back into play.
Looking Ahead
Primary elections are expected to be hard-fought on both sides. Democrats will likely need to navigate ideological divisions between progressives and centrists, while Republicans will battle over which candidate can broaden the party’s base in an increasingly diverse and urban county.
The general election is still more than a year away, but with candidates already raising money and organizing across the county, the race to replace Lina Hidalgo has officially begun.
