Minerva Diaz (R) Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4. Lina Hidalgo defeated incumbent Ed Emmett and Eric Gatlin in the general election for Harris County Judge on November 6, . Those voters had plenty of reasons for their own enthusiasm, including the implementation of a strict abortion ban by Republicans in Texas, and a relatively competitive gubernatorial contest. She has evolved into a savvy, hard-nosed, driven candidate, and she has been incredibly successful in raising the funds necessary to compete with Lina Hidalgo. County Judge | Hidalgo County, TX - Official Website Is Whataburger healthy? "My opponent will often say, well, none of these are county issues," Hidalgo said. In Precinct 2, former commissioner Jack Morman and Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton led three other candidates. During the March primaries, incumbent Lina Hidalgo took a huge lead as the Democratic nominee, but the race seems neck-and-neck against Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer . Hidalgo's conservative commissioners court colleagues have accused the judge of "defunding the police," a claim she has fiercely denied. Come find out at a candidate forum hosted by LUPE and LUPE Votes this Friday, February 4th at 5 pm online. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo waits to speak to the media after the Harris County Commissioners Court went into executive session Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Houston. Solis, who lives in Palmview, speculated that the lack of polling locations on the west side of Hidalgo County could have been designed to help a certain primary candidate. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who won, who lost, who's going to a runoff in primary elections across Houston, rest of Texas. . Harris County election results 2022: County judge, commissioners Heres what you need to know. 2022 Election Guide: Harris County and Texas races to watch Republican candidates face off for Hidalgo Co. Judge | KVEO-TV Harris County Judge: Lina Hidalgo takes the lead in 2022 Texas Primary The pressure grew even greater in September after Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle successfully delayed the county tax rate vote after skipping several meetings. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, This is what Houston looks like from space, Turner: TEA is giving Houston ISD two optionsclose school or be taken over, Two ocelots were photographed crossing a road in rare South Texas sighting, Houston Rockets poised to reap benefits from Eric Gordon trade, Willie Nelson's new album is a lovely tribute to a fellow country legend, Hiker captures 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo of wildlife at Brazos Bend State Park, Why Johnson City in Texas Hill Country is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. For the first time, the two candidates for Harris County judge, incumbent Lina Hidalgo and challenger Alexandra Mealer, sat down face-to-face. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives to a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Hidalgo has maintained that the scandal was a politically motivated attack and has publicly defended her aides. Texas 2022 Elections GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after . Poll Watcher's Guide (PDF) Public Information Request (PDF) Election Forms HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. Two candidates are vying for the position of Harris County judge in the upcoming Nov. 8 election with Republican candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer challenging the incumbent Democratic judge . 2022 Election. For the last couple months, Hidalgo has assailed Mealer for not taking a stance on Texas abortion ban, including through a TV ad that says Mealer is staying silent while womens lives are in danger. In an effort to paint Mealer as a far-right extremist, Hidalgo has accused her of sowing doubt in the election results and being blindly loyal to former president Donald Trump. People are looking beyond party lines and looking to the person, and thats the way local politics really should be, Mealer told reporters following the initial results. And the pandemic is deepened inequality and exacerbated existing divisions. Mayor: HISD has two optionsclose school or be taken over, Rare photos show 2 ocelots crossing South Texas road, Eric Gordon trade looking better and better for Houston Rockets, Willie Nelson pays lovely tribute to another country legend, Hiker takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo at Brazos Bend State Park, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. Early voting in the March primary begins on Valentine's Day. Harris County leaders face a slew of challengers this election season TEXAS VOTER GUIDE: The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election. A native Houstonian, Jen graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned a master's degree from University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. Running for Local Offices; Notable Links . Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo looks back at Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner before they gave a joint press conference about growing Monkeypox infections Monday, July 25, 2022, at Houston TranStar headquarters in Houston. The Democratic incumbent has touted her response to the COVID-19 pandemicincluding supporting measures like drive-thru voting to help make it easier to voterecord investments in the county toward early childhood education, and creation of a legal defense fund for immigrants under her leadership. She enjoys traveling and reading romance novels. Sen. Ted Cruz, who endorsed Mealer showed up at Mealer's election watch party. In the process, she became a champion to progressives who said that focus helped struggling households that the countys previously limited government left behind. Cortez, Tania Ramirez, and Norma Ramirez are running in the Democratic Party primary. While Hidalgo has raised millions from small-dollar donors, she has struggled to keep pace with Mealer, who reported a fundraising haul of $4.9 million from July 1 through Sept. 29, the latest period covered by public campaign finance reports. 'This Week In Texas' puts spotlight on Harris County Judge's race Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer talks to the media as early election results come in at her watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (956)318-2570. A native of San Francisco, he graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 with degrees in journalism and political science, and has interned for the Tampa Bay Times, Washington Post and Fortune magazine. Quick Links. He said they were watching growing caseloads in other major American cities. Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo beat Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer by more than 18,000 votes. Race for Harris County judge still too close to call The 31-year-old stood in front of supporters applauding and chanting her name at the office of the Harris Democratic Party. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? Marie D. De Jess, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. DIRECTORY. As November's general election neared, polling showed Hidalgo was in a tighter race with Mealer than expected, and a startling endorsement from the Houston Chronicle editorial board in favor of her opponent surprised many in Houston. Texas 2022 Elections Texas' 2022 races coming into focus as candidate filings close. Staff members faced charges of misuse of official information and tampering with a government record in connection to a county contract awarded by Hidalgo's office to a local public relations firm to create a county COVID-19 outreach program. Democrat Lina Hidalgo has secured a second term as Harris County Judge, defeating her Republican challenger Alex Mealer in a highly contested race for the head of the county's governing body. This is due to Hidalgo facing scrutiny over allegations of not doing enough to combat a rise in crime and an ongoing lawsuit over an $11 million COVID-19 outreach . She pointed to a recent city-county gun buyback program and county spending aimed at addressing maternal mortality. She has said the GOP plan would create hundreds of new positions that may never be filled, while preventing raises for the current police officers and cutting critical funding for flood control, public health, and other areas.. Turnout overall was down 10 percent, but de Leon noted it still marked the second-highest turnout for a midterm election here. Axios on twitter. He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. The judge also referenced endorsements of her opponent made by Jim Mattress "Mack McIngvale" and the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board, as well as others she characterized as belonging to a "political establishment that frankly has held onto power for just a little too long. Former Army captain Alexandra Del Moral Mealer won her primary in May, securing her as the Republican candidate for Harris County judge against Hidalgo in November. "No one really knows what the county judge does. 'Mattress Mack' endorses GOP opponent of Lina Hidalgo for county judge Offices up for Election in 2022 - Texas Hidalgo, Garcia cruise through primary, while incumbent judges struggle, Timeline: How battle between Houston ISD, TEA has reached the point of a looming takeover. If you are running in the March 2022 primaries, we want to hear from you. Mealer said. BY THE NUMBERS: Republicans say violent crime is up, Dems say it's down. While Mealer and other GOP candidates running for seats on Commissioners Court have maintained an intense focus on crime and public safety, those issues are far from the only challenges facing Harris County government, which also is responsible for planning out billions of dollars in flood control projects, overseeing development in unincorporated areas and running public health institutions that provide treatment for a large share of the county's uninsured, low-income residents. Q&A: Get to know Harris County judge candidates Mealer, Hidalgo Another candidate for county judge is McAllen City Commissioner Tania Ramirez. Harris County judge election results 2022 | khou.com Harris County Judge 2022 Primary Election: A look at who's running We pride ourselves on doing our best, being responsible with taxpayer . Throughout her reelection campaign, Hidalgo faced an onslaught of criticism from state Republicans, including Gov. As Hidalgo's woes multiplied in commissioners court, her political opponent continued to rack up high-dollar contributions from well-heeled conservative donors. Despite seeing a barrage of criticisms . Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo high-fives a woman in the front row during an abortion rights rally organized by Beto O'Rourke at Discovery Green on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in Houston. Hidalgo touts among her . Monday, February 14, 2022. . Tensions ran high as the court's two Republican members skipped the meeting, blocking the three Democrats from passing their proposed tax rate unless they agreed to specific terms for funding law enforcement. Hidalgo drew support from 45%. He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. What does the data say? Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at a primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Hidalgo County Judge Candidates Will Tackle the Biggest - LUPE Hidalgo's victory helped secure a 4-1 Democratic majority on the court that was sealed after former civil court judge Lesley Briones beat incumbent Republican commissioner Jack Cagle for the Precinct 4 seat. Terry Palacios wins Democratic nomination in Hidalgo County district attorney race, unofficial election results show 1 year 13 hours 11 minutes ago Tuesday, March 01 2022 Mar 1, 2022 March 01 . Edinburg, Texas 78539. Houston Chronicle Editorial Board recommends Alexandra Mealer, not Lina The Houston region's high number of homicides, the state's new abortion ban and a flood of campaign . Candidate Information Texas Secretary of State. Dozens of supporters for Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate challenging Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, packed the room at the Sept. 13 meeting of Commissioners Court, each wearing "Alex's Army" T-shirts and loudly scoffing when Hidalgo spoke. "The community has a position on these issues, and they want to know their leader's position. "We are just getting started.". ), LIVE RESULTS TRACKER: Texas 2022 midterm elections: Live results from Abbott vs. Beto, Hidalgo vs. Mealer and more. From attacks by Texas Republicans, charges filed . Please check back later for updates. Our nation is too divided right now and it's been divided for too many years," Hidalgo said. Democrats also have a 12-point historic edge in Precinct 2, where Garcia's lead over his challenger and predecessor, Morman, had grown to 5 percentage points by 4 a.m. Pct. Members shall draw lots to determine who serves which terms. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo tries to win re-election but faces a challenge from Republican Alexandra . Emmett left office in 2019. If Hidalgo holds on to win, she will have overcome an aggressive re-election fight in a hostile political climate for Democrats. Elections 2022 Election Guide: Harris County and Texas races to watch . Cagle was unopposed on the Republican side. GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after Election A new study says yes. Now, emboldened by a combination of factors the felony indictment of three Hidalgo aides, a sharp rise in homicides mirroring a trend across the country, and favorable national conditions Harris County Republicans have rallied behind Mealer as perhaps their best shot to reverse their recent struggles. We'll ask them about immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding, broadband internet, and more. Espaol / English. Daniel Marichalar (D) Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney. The Houston Chronicle's editorial board makes an endorsement for the Harris County judge that can be considered crucial in the tight race. Onward! Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. In April, three Hidalgo staff members, including her chief of staff, were indicted for misuse of official information and tampering with government evidence. Incumbents in more high-profile local posts, namely Hidalgo and Garcia, fared better. ", The Republican newcomer continued: "This campaign was always about good government and I am hopeful that we have played a role encouraging that going forward. A sixth criminal judge, Jason Luong of the 185th district court, also trailed in his election but appeared headed for a runoff. Harris County Judge candidate says she would fund more law enforcement A strong gender gap exists in the vote for county judge, with Hidalgo holding a 12% lead over del Moral Mealer among women (52% to 40%), while del Moral Mealer . Vendor Portal . Emmett (Republican Party) . Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate for Harris County Judge, chats with attendees and other candidates running for difference offices during a meet and greet hosted by Magic Circle Republican Women, Log Cabin Republicans of Houston and the Houston Young Republicans in the Heights on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. Hidalgo, meanwhile, raised about $2.4 million in . defeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. Texas' 2022 races coming into focus as candidate filings close The impending takeover of HISD by the TEA dates back to 2019, when Wheatley High School triggered a state law by failing to meet accountability standards for seven consecutive years. "Because Lina has funded more full-time social workers than she has sheriff deputies.". This is a carousel. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at an primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Many pundits have said these races are too close to call, and early vote returns reflect that these races are tight, Sims said. Oct. 12, 2022 Updated: Oct. 14, 2022 1:37 p.m. For the first time, the two candidates for Harris County judge, incumbent Lina Hidalgo and challenger Alexandra Mealer, sat down . A first-time political candidate, Mealer ran a tough on crime campaign against the Democratic incumbent, criticizing Hidalgo for the countys crime rate and stumping on issues of public safety. I also want to thank Ms. Mealer for a hard-fought campaign & her military service. Dylan McGuinness covers City Hall and local politics for the Houston Chronicle. Lina Hidalgo throws shade at 'furniture salesman' Mattress Mack during victory speech, Mayor: HISD has two optionsclose school or be taken over, Rare photos show 2 ocelots crossing South Texas road, Eric Gordon trade looking better and better for Houston Rockets, Willie Nelson pays lovely tribute to another country legend, Hiker takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo at Brazos Bend State Park, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. In February, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick criticized Hidalgo for where she decided to stand at the memorial service of slain Harris County Pct. Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. . Lina Hidalgo Leads the Largest County in Texas, Tells Those Who Const. Is Whataburger healthy? In the GOP primary for county treasurer, Kyle Scott led Eric Dick. Two family court judges, Tristan Longino of the 245th district court and Barbara Stalder of the 280th, also trailed in early results, along with Scot Dollinger of the 189th district civil court. Lina Hidalgo wins reelection bid for Harris County judge against Updated: Jun 18, 2021 / 01:46 PM CDT. Lina Hidalgo reelected as Harris County judge. I also want to thank Ms. Mealer for a hard-fought campaign & her military service. Lina Hidalgo, Basking in National Praise, Faces a Potential Scandal at Welcome to Hidalgo County! Republicans Have Their Knives Out for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Hidalgo has held the position since defeating then-incumbent and longtime County . March 2022 marks an unusually crowded primary season for Harris County politics, with three Harris County . ", Before closing out her speech, Hidalgo turned attention to any who don't believe she won her reelection fair and square. Hidalgo took in $1.5 million during the same period, less than a third of Mealers sum, and she was outspent by more than $2 million. Updated: . Hidalgo defeats Mealer in Harris County judge race Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? MLB legend makes surprise appearance at Astros' Spring Training, Houston is ugly, and I've never felt more at home, Texas A&M upset win clears path for UH to snag top overall seed, Oops! November 8, 2022 General Election & Local Entities Elections. Jay R. Jordan; Axios on facebook. Code 7.104] 2 All State Senate seats are up for election in 2022 following redistricting in 2021. Martin trailed by a small margin, while the rest trailed by larger amounts. It all started with a viral video by the National Fraternal Order of Police denouncing where Hidalgo stood on the stage particularly close to the family and their elected officials to honor the fallen officer. Mealer has focused her campaign on crime and public safety spending, arguing Hidalgo has failed to devote enough funding to county law enforcement amid a rise in violent crime. Lina Hidalgo ( Democratic Party) is the Harris County Judge in Texas. Both partys candidates for county clerk the office that ran elections in Harris County until Commissioners Court gave that duty to an independent administrator ran unopposed. Welcome to the Hidalgo County Elections Department! Democrats on Tuesday generally faced a hostile climate, with President Joe Bidens lagging approval numbers, the uptick in crime and rising inflation all dragging on their enthusiasm. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, right, speaks about the expansion of the county's Jail-Based Competency Restoration program at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD on Feb. 9, 2023 . LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. In her victory speech, Hidalgo criticized local figures who contributed to her opponent, throwing shade at Mattress Mack, who notably did not take kindly to the judge referring to him as a "furniture salesman." Hidalgo's staffers being charged in 2022 with helping . Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a COVID-19 press conference in July 2021. First Day of Early Voting. Hidalgo also found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year after three of her top aides were indicted by a grand jury. Mealer calls Hidalgo's campaign strategy dishonest and has criticized Hidalgo for focusing on abortion rights, a policy area the county judge has no authority over. Incumbent Democrat Teneshia Hudspeth will face former County Clerk Stan Stanart in the November general election. New Poll Shows Republican Mealer Up Four Over Democratic Harris County Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Please type your name EXACTLY as it appears on your VOTER REGISTRATION RECORD. (Photo: Lina Hidalgo campaign) HOUSTON - Less than an hour after the polls closed for the 2022 Texas Primary Election Tuesday, Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo took the lead ahead of all other candidates for Harris County Judge. District Clerk Marilyn Burgess led her Democratic challenger in the early returns. On Twitter Wednesday morning, Hidalgo celebrated her win, tweeting: "Yesterday, the people of Harris County chose optimism over fear & people over politics.