The Editorial Board. Democratic Precinct 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia's, 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. Hidalgo cited the two Republicans blockade of a new tax rate as justification, saying they endangered vital county services. 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. We are a membership-based organization and our strength is found in the participation of our over eight thousand members. FOX 26 Houston. Sort of. 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! Is Whataburger healthy? . A runoff also will be necessary in the wide open Democratic primary for the Precinct 4 seat on Commissioners Court, newly drawn last year to improve the partys chances of defeating Republican incumbent Jack Cagle. "I want to thank her for her concession and I want to thank her again for her service to our country so let's give her a round of applause." That is not guaranteed, though, given the narrow nature of their leads and the in-limbo status of the set-aside ballots. Texas Ethics Commission . First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail. We pride ourselves on doing our best, being responsible with taxpayer . Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a Democrat, held a wider lead: 105,653 votes (52.56 percent) to Republican Jack Morman's 95,363 (47.44 percent), according to the unofficial vote count. Dan Patrick, and Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar, particularly with accusations that she was "defunding" the police. Astros GM Dana Brown the antithesis of his predecessors, Texas wants to ban delta-8, but veterans are pushing back, UH, Texas A&M removing DEI statements from hiring practices, Houston is the most stressful city to work in, says new study, The Breakfast Klub sues prominent City Hall consultant for fraud, Lauren Daigle at Houston Rodeo: 'God always has your number', Galveston gets fourth Carnival Cruise Line, Texas 2022 midterm elections: Live results from Abbott vs. Beto, Hidalgo vs. Mealer and more, retain and expand control of the county government, Mealer concedes county judge race to Hidalgo, ran a spirited campaign arguing that Hidalgo has forsaken public safety. The County Judge is the presiding officer of the county commissioners court and the head of emergency management. Many pundits have said these races are too close to call, and early vote returns reflect that these races are tight, Sims said. ), LIVE RESULTS TRACKER: Texas 2022 midterm elections: Live results from Abbott vs. Beto, Hidalgo vs. Mealer and more. Espaol / English. Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer has conceded her bid to unseat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, with unofficial results show her trailing by . Members of her own party also tried to "preserve the status quo," Hidalgo said without naming anyone in particular. 2022 / 08:13 AM CST . another GOP candidate for county judge, called Hidalgo a "formidable campaigner," adding that progressives see her as a key component to flipping Texas blue. Join ABC13's political reporter Tom Abrahams as he talks with Democrat County Judge Lina Hidalgo and her Republican opponent, Alexandra del Moral Mealer, about this November's general election. In the process, she became a champion to progressives who said that focus helped struggling households that the countys previously limited government left behind. Published March 1, 2022. Last Day to Register to Vote. The spotlight also fueled speculation she could someday run for larger office, both of which made her a primary target for both local and statewide conservatives. Austin, TX, April 22, 2022 Republicans Vidal Martinez and Alexandra del Moral Mealer have hit the campaign trail in what has become a heated runoff race for a chance to replace Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo as Harris County judge.. While Commissioners Court and the county judge have little practical authority over abortion policy, Hidalgo has argued the court plays a role through its oversight of the county hospital system, which provides reproductive care to residents. piling up against Hidalgo as Election Day approached, campaign contributions thanks in large part to a number of generous GOP donors, three of her top aides were indicted by a grand jury. 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. Hidalgo, meanwhile, raised about $2.4 million in . She said both local parties, following the secretary of states advice, agreed to seek a court order adjusting the deadline. Democrats have won every countywide contest since 2016, including Hidalgos own upset win over popular incumbent Ed Emmett in 2018. "Hidalgo continues to be the front-runner, primarily because of the makeup of Harris County in terms of partisanship," Cross said. As County judge, she oversees an annual budget of $4.3 billion with four other County commissioners (who all happen to be men). McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. Tax Rates. Registered Voters as of February 27, 2023 Total 412,899. Hidalgo repeatedly has said the countys main public safety departments the sheriff, constables and district attorney have received funding boosts in each county budget since Democrats took control of Commissioners Court in 2018. In the first post-redistricting election members are divided into two classes; one class shall serve a 2-year term and the other class shall serve a 4-year term. Along her campaign trail, Hidalgo amassed the support of celebrities like Hamilton playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chicago rapper and actor Common, and actress Jane Fonda, who block-walked with her in Houston last month. Hidalgo has held the position since defeating then-incumbent and longtime County . November 8, 2022 (General) Hidalgo. Staff writers Samantha Ketterer, Yilun Cheng and Elizabeth Trovall contributed to this report. The judge congratulated other candidates who . Members shall draw lots to determine who serves which terms. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? "But we earned every vote and not with exaggerations or falsehoods. 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. Lina Hidalgo, a rising Democratic star, faces a tough reelection race to lead Harris County. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives to a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. District Clerk Marilyn Burgess led her Democratic challenger in the early returns. Another well-to-do donor on the list of Mealer supporters is beloved Houston Gallery Furniture salesman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, who cut televised endorsements for Hidalgo's challenger and would go on to publicly tussle with the judge after her campaign's end. March 2022 marks an unusually crowded primary season for Harris County politics, with three Harris County . 10:46 AM CDT October 23, 2022 . Ellie Torres (D) Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 5. Hidalgo also found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year after three of her top aides were indicted by a grand jury. (Steve Gonzales, Staff photographer) / Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner before they gave a joint press conference about growing Monkeypox infections in July 2022. Both candidates have highlighted their ethnicityin their campaigns: Hidalgo was born in Colombia and immigrated with her family to the U.S. in 2005, while Mealer's paternal grandfather immigrated from Spain. Her opponent, Republican challenge . "Because Lina has funded more full-time social workers than she has sheriff deputies.". Lawyers for the aides have maintained their innocence. This is a carousel. She's facing challengers . 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. He has also reported on local politics for both papers. Fellow Democrat Adrian Garcia also secured another term as Precinct 2 commissioner, defeating Republican Jack Morman, who held the seat before Garcia won it four years ago. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. This 10 percentage point lead by . Eight district court judges and two county court-at-law judges trailed opponents in early returns for the Democratic primary elections, results that figure to introduce a significant amount of turnover on local benches. Early voting in the March primary begins on Valentine's Day. I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. It doesn't need to be that way. Candidate for Harris County Judge Alexandra del Moral Mealer poses for a photo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. The primary election is March 1, 2022. "We believe and we stick to our values and that's what we brought to county government," Hidalgo told supporters at the Sam Houston Hotel late Tuesday, appearing with fellow Democrats Garcia and Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Previously, she was a community news and breaking news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. 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. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. She has created a political base around her campaign to make her race one of the most important and contested races in the state.. Running for Local Offices; Notable Links . In 2022, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo had the odds stacked against her in a challenging campaign year to keep her top position in the county. Our office stands ready to assist Harris County election officials, and all county election officials throughout the state, in complying with Texas Election Code requirements for accurately tabulating and reporting Primary Election results, Scott said. Ed Emmett (Republican Party) was the Harris County Judge in Texas. We earned them with hard work and with results over the past four years.". 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a Republican, do not face election this year. She beat Emmett by just over 19,000 votes, out of 1.1 million cast in the race, and 86 percent of her votes came from Democrats who cast straight-ticket ballots, a practice the Texas Legislature since has ended. Campaign Finance Reports. That's why tonight we are hosting a forum with the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge in the Democratic Party Primary. 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. Axios on linkedin. 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. Against the newcomer, Hidalgo's campaign appeared unworried about Mealer's prospects and trusted voters would secure her position again. The Early Voting results were reported shortly after the polls closed, Election Day results will be reported, and the remainder of the reconciliation process will continue over the next few days, as we prioritize accuracy over speed, Longorias office said in a statement. Brandon Waltens | October 4, 2022. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo greets people in line outside West Grey Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray St., on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Houston. More than 80 percent of Mealer's contributions were spent on advertising, while Hidalgo spent more than 87 percent, according to a report from Community Impact. TEXAS VOTER GUIDE: The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election. HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. Jan. 31, 2022 Updated: Feb. 1, 2022 7:58 a.m. Facebook Twitter Email Houston business owner Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale has endorsed GOP candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer for Harris County Judge. With varying results coming from the few public polls conducted on the race, there is little consensus on where things stand heading into the final weeks of the campaign. 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.. Hidalgos stature quickly skyrocketed after the 2018 election, as she developed a passionate following among liberals inspired to see a Colombian immigrant elected at age 27 go toe-to-toe with Republican state leaders and veteran county commissioners. 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. . Throughout her reelection campaign, Hidalgo faced an onslaught of criticism from state Republicans, including Gov. Harris County judge candidates . She assumed office on January 1, 2019. Recent polls reflected the two candidates were in a virtual dead heat, with Mealer up two points over Hidalgo. 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! Emmett (Republican Party) . Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. I am committed to working hard every day . Please type your name EXACTLY as it appears on your VOTER REGISTRATION RECORD. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. No candidate in those two races had the majority needed to win outright on election night. "No one really knows what the county judge does. Elections 2022 Election Guide: Harris County and Texas races to watch . Hidalgo County residents and colonia residents in particular are on the frontlines of the biggest challenges facing the nation and the world. Heres what you need to know. They attributed the delay to damaged ballot sheets that must be duplicated before they can be scanned by counting machines, according to Secretary of State John Scotts office. Emmett assumed office in 2007. 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." The county judge race is expected to be close, though Hidalgo still has an edge over her opponent due to the countys leftward tilt, according to Rene Cross, the executive director of the University of Houstons Hobby School of Public Affairs. For the latest and best fromChron,sign up for our daily newsletter here. Don't elect their candidate for County Judge" or something and avoided a poor fact checking result. "To the extent we work on these issues that affect us all, all of us will do better. Candidates Richard Cortez (incumbent), Norma Ramirez, and Tania Ramirez will each have 30 minutes to discuss their stance on the biggest challenges facing colonia residents and RGV residents. Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo . Release: Hidalgo County Judge Candidates Will Tackle the Biggest Challenges Facing Colonia, RGV Residents at LUPE Candidate Forum. The intense exchange was just one of many instances in which the lieutenant governor has openly rejected Hidalgo. What does the data say? In 2022, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo had the odds stacked against her in a challenging campaign year to keep her top position in the county. Power-hungry politicians use our home to scapegoat immigrants, divide citizens and enrich wealthy special interests. Adrian Garcia is in a rematch with Republican Jack Morman, Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer debate Harris County budget, crime and policy, appeared to gain some breathing room over the summer, What you need to know about Lina Hidalgo and Alex Mealer in the race for Harris County judge, refused campaign contributions from county contractors, have relied heavily on firms that do business with the county, has raised millions from small-dollar donors, Hidalgo, Harris County Dems hope for boost from abortion, national trends, but races still competitive over crime, economy. Hector de Leon, who works for the county clerk's office that used to oversee elections, analyzed early vote data to show some turnout trends among different demographic categories. The balance of the five-member court is at stake in this election, with three incumbents up for re-election in competitive races. Austin, TX, February 8, 2022 With increasingly heated discussions over public safety and rising homicide rates, and a grand jury investigation over an $11 million vaccine outreach contract looming, multiple Democratic and Republican candidates have filed for a chance to challenge Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2022.. Hidalgo faces five challengers in the Democratic primary, most .