Harris County Judge Hidalgo Confirms She Will Not Seek Re-Election

HOUSTON (Sept. 16, 2025) - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed Tuesday that she will not run for a third term in the 2026 election, ending months of speculation about her political future.

Nut Graf

Hidalgo’s decision marks a significant shift in Texas politics, as the first woman elected to lead the state’s most populous county steps aside after two terms. Her choice comes amid heated budget debates and internal court tensions, underscoring the high stakes of Harris County’s leadership role.

Announcement and Context

Hidalgo’s office released a statement Tuesday morning, ahead of a detailed news conference, affirming her decision not to file for re-election. In an exclusive ABC13 interview Monday, she reiterated a promise made in 2018 to serve no more than two terms and dispelled rumors of a congressional bid.

Budget Battles and Courtroom Clashes

Hidalgo’s tenure has been defined by:

• Controversial budget negotiations: Clashes over a $200 million budget deficit and funding for early childhood programs prompted her to storm out of a commissioners’ court meeting last month.
• Intra-court dissent: A rare bipartisan censure effort and disputes with fellow Democrats highlighted growing friction within Harris County leadership.

Successors in the Race

With Hidalgo stepping aside, both parties have already attracted notable candidates:

• Annise Parker, former Houston mayor (Democrat)
• Letitia Plummer, Houston City Council member (Democrat)
• Aliza Dutt, Mayor of Piney Point Village (Republican)
• Marty Lancton, Firefighters union leader (Republican)
• Orlando Sanchez and others preparing campaigns.

Legacy and Next Steps

During her tenure, Hidalgo championed early childhood education, public safety investments, and crisis management-from hurricanes to the pandemic. She leaves office in December 2026, focusing remaining months on key initiatives before exploring future opportunities in public service.