"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. Harris County election results 2022: County judge, commissioners Lawyers for the aides have maintained their innocence. "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. Her biggest donor was Richard Weekley, a Houston-based developer and megadonor who contributed $400,000 to Mealers campaign. We need more vaccine, Turner said. Candidate Information Texas Secretary of State. HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) - The race for Hidalgo County Judge has two candidates on the Republican ticket, something that is rare in the Rio Grande Valley. 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 . WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who won, who lost, who's going to a runoff in primary elections across Houston, rest of Texas. Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 North Closner. Many pundits have said these races are too close to call, and early vote returns reflect that these races are tight, Sims said. Please type your name EXACTLY as it appears on your VOTER REGISTRATION RECORD. "The math is clear, and one plus one equals two, but they're still trying to pin that on us," she said. . Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Hidalgo County Elections Department administers the polling locations in the early voting period. With 205 of 259 precincts reporting in the Democratic primary, Ruben Ramirez was leading in the race for U.S. Representative . Emmett assumed office in 2007. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a Democrat, and Pct. 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. Cagle was unopposed on the Republican side. Turnout overall was down 10 percent, but de Leon noted it still marked the second-highest turnout for a midterm election here. This is a carousel. He has also reported on local politics for both papers. Emmett (Republican Party) . 2022 / 08:13 AM CST . Lina Hidalgo defeated incumbent Ed Emmett and Eric Gatlin in the general election for Harris County Judge on November 6, . At first, there was little sign she would face a serious re-election threat, with Harris County appearing to solidify as a Democratic stronghold by 2020. Emmett left office in 2019. Jay R. Jordan; Axios on facebook. This is a carousel. 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. First elected to the position in 2018 after narrowly defeating her Republican opponent and former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Hidalgo is the first woman and Latina to hold the office. Meanwhile, across town at the Kirby Ice House, Mealer said the close margins show voters are paying attention. Texas 2022 Elections GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after . What does the data say? This is a developing story. Sam Gonzlez Kelly is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. And the total number of votes will far surpass the total in 2014, the last time Republicans won countywide seats. Republicans Have Their Knives Out for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a COVID-19 press conference in July 2021. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Judge. (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. "No one really knows what the county judge does. 3 . Join us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live tonight, Friday, February 4th at 5 pm. Texas' 2022 races coming into focus as candidate filings close During a hotly contested primary, she won endorsements from key members of the Harris County Republican establishment, including Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap, former commissioner Steve Radackand popular furniture magnate Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale. New poll shows heated race for Harris County judge is too close to call The County Judge is the presiding officer of the county commissioners court and the head of emergency management. Ellie Torres (D) Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 5. The GOP race to face Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is getting nasty. The 31-year-old stood in front of supporters applauding and chanting her name at the office of the Harris Democratic Party. Is Whataburger healthy? Lina Hidalgo wins reelection bid for Harris County judge against 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 process, she became a champion to progressives who said that focus helped struggling households that the countys previously limited government left behind. According to a new University of Houston poll, Mealer holds a slight lead with Election Day just two weeks away and early voting already underway. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. County Judge Lina Hidalgo's biggest moments of 2022 The Houston Chronicle editorial board endorses Republican nominee Hidalgo has maintained that the scandal was a politically motivated attack and has publicly defended her aides. 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. Friday, November 4, 2022. Lina Hidalgo vs. Alexandra Mealer: Harris County Judge Live Election VIDEO: Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer debate Harris County budget, crime and policy. . Axios on twitter. After briefly looking down and taking a pause, Hidalgo continued: "But y'all, didn't I say it would be a sweet victory?". 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. 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 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. The two emerged as victors in a nine-person primary election last month, with Mealer capturing 29 percent to Martinez's 26 percent. Attendees of Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer watch as the election results come in on the television during her watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. Is Whataburger healthy? The Democratic majority tried to draw Cagle, a Republican who has represented Precinct 4 since 2011, out of office when it passed new precinct maps last year. Democrats have won every countywide contest since 2016, including Hidalgos own upset win over popular incumbent Ed Emmett in 2018. Hidalgo defeats Mealer in Harris County judge race Poll Shows Republican Alex Mealer Leading in Harris County Judge Race Onward! . "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." Hidalgo reported having $2 million in her campaign account, giving her a slight edge over Mealers $1.7 million cash on hand. Early voting will begin Monday, October 24, 2022 and will run through. The trend began around the start of the pandemic in 2020, when murders surged by more than 40 percent in the county, including Houston and the other incorporated cities. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? Harris County Judge 2022 Primary Election: A look at who's running Alexandra del Moral Mealer and attorney Vidal Martinez were leading the nine-candidate Republican field for the GOPs nomination for county judge. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at a primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. From attacks by Texas Republicans, charges filed . Q&A with Lina Hidalgo: Harris County judge discusses pressing issues Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. she shouted to roaring applause. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at an primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. "She does seem to evoke strong emotions in either party. 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. Hidalgo also found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year after three of her top aides were indicted by a grand jury. [Tex. Lina Hidalgo, Basking in National Praise, Faces a Potential Scandal at Hidalgo ( Democratic Party) ran for re-election for Harris County Judge in Texas. If you are running in the March 2022 primaries, we want to hear from you. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. Mealer's tough-on-crime campaign also spotlighted these accusations, framing the 31-year-old incumbent as an adversary of local law enforcement. Updated: Jun 18, 2021 / 01:46 PM CDT. Hidalgo cited the two Republicans blockade of a new tax rate as justification, saying they endangered vital county services. Participation among voters with Spanish surnames was down 18 percent. Oct. 12, 2022. Jaime E. Galvan 11/8/2022. November 8, 2022 (General) Hidalgo. "The community has a position on these issues, and they want to know their leader's position. In that race, Hidalgo a little-known challenger capitalized on Democratic enthusiasm in a midterm election under a drastically unpopular Republican president. Against the newcomer, Hidalgo's campaign appeared unworried about Mealer's prospects and trusted voters would secure her position again. 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. She pointed to a recent city-county gun buyback program and county spending aimed at addressing maternal mortality. . defeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. Last Day to Register to Vote. 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." That means our county judge must be ready to lead our community through these challenges and toward a thriving future. Mar 2, 2022. Hidalgo drew support from 45%. In her first term in office, Hidalgo has expanded the traditional responsibilities of county government beyond infrastructure, law enforcement and flood control, imagining a broader, more holistic role for the county that includes such things as child care, housing stability and reform-minded criminal justice. Hidalgo's staffers being charged in 2022 with helping . Five lower-ballot Republicans had narrow advantages for criminal or civil court benches, though Democrats were leading in most contests. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged it after Rogers' ruling, prompting the intervention by the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court. According to election results from 2016 and 2020, Democrats hold a 12-point advantage in Precinct 4. Code 7.104] 2 All State Senate seats are up for election in 2022 following redistricting in 2021. She says her plan to hire 1,000 additional officers could be covered, at least in part, by cutting county administrative staff, though she has not revealed specific funding plans or committed to any cuts to core services. Campaign finance reports received by the Harris County Office of the Elections Administrator on July 15 show $2.88M in total contributions between Feb. 20-June 30 to the two candidates for Harris . Hidalgo County Clerk. 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. 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. She has created a political base around her campaign to make her race one of the most important and contested races in the state.. First Day of Early Voting. 05/09/2022 01:51 PM EDT. It doesn't need to be that way. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo hugs U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia after being reelected for a second term on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 in Houston. Another candidate for county judge is McAllen City Commissioner Tania Ramirez. Lina Hidalgo ( Democratic Party) is the Harris County Judge in Texas. Please check back later for updates. Candidate Information - Secretary of State of Texas HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's political future is on the line for 2022. Sort of. Lina Hidalgo faces tough reelection race for Harris County Judge | The Hidalgo also addressed the millions in campaign contributions her opponent garnered from "far right, Trump mega-donors," while campaigning for office. 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. Q&A with Harris County judge candidate Alexandra Mealer. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo made passing reference to Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and other prominent endorsers of her political opponent Alex Mealer during a Wednesday victory speech. 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. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saw her most challenging year in politics in 2022. Editor's Note: Calling all Rio Grande Valley candidates. ), LIVE RESULTS TRACKER: Texas 2022 midterm elections: Live results from Abbott vs. Beto, Hidalgo vs. Mealer and more. Harris County judge election results 2022 | khou.com 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. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. Axios on linkedin. Rising Democratic Star Survives Close Call in Houston According to Harris County officials, Patrick told Hidalgo to sit down and shut up multiple times at the funeral. Texas Ethics Commission . For the latest and best fromChron,sign up for our daily newsletter here. 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. Harris County Judge: Lina Hidalgo takes the lead in 2022 Texas Primary Judge Lina Hidalgo moved the COVID - 19 Threat to Level Orange at Houston Transtar Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Houston. 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. Q&A: Get to know Harris County judge candidates Mealer, Hidalgo Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. . I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. The judge congratulated other candidates who . Unofficial results for county, state and federal primary races have been released in Hidalgo County, with voters casting ballots in races, including county judge, criminal district attorney and governor. Ed Emmett - Ballotpedia In April, three Hidalgo staff members, including her chief of staff, were indicted for misuse of official information and tampering with government evidence. the Hidalgo County health authority, announced he was passing on a campaign for the seat, saying he could . Editor's note: This article has been updated to include responses submitted by Alexandra del Moral Mealer. Sen. Ted Cruz, who endorsed Mealer showed up at Mealer's election watch party. The race for county judge in Harris County is in a statistical dead heat, with Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer leading Democrat Lina Hidalgo by 2% (47% to 45%, with 8% undecided). Kennedy is a reporter at Chron covering all things Houston. Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. 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 . Hidalgo has touted her record steering the county through several major emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and last years winter storm, and establishing programs focused on early childhood education, pandemic recovery and environmental health and monitoring. Marie D. De Jess/Staff photographer . Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Published March 1, 2022. March 2022 marks an unusually crowded primary season for Harris County politics, with three Harris County . 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. The elections took place amid a series of hurdles at the ballot box, culminating Tuesday night with Harris County election officials asking the state for an extension on the 24-hour deadline, required by state law, to count all the votes. In an interview, Mealer acknowledged Trump lost the 2020 election and said that, barring any obvious evidence of impropriety, she would accept the results in November if she loses. Across race and background, we are uniting to demand those who govern in our name to provide the things all working people need: Education that teaches us about our past while preparing us for the future. Candidates for Harris County judge campaign in Houston 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. Texas GOP may censure Tony Gonzales over gay marriage, gun votes, Rep. Joaquin Castro's health plan points to a new Texas trend, Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery, Texas House Speaker appoints committee for gun legislation, Santa Fe families still denied video, records from 2018 shooting. Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo beat Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer by more than 18,000 votes. Welcome to Hidalgo County! Mealers bid focused on the rise in crime Harris County has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to lay blame for that uptick at Hidalgos feet, although similar or larger increases have occurred across the country. The Houston Chronicle's editorial board makes an endorsement for the Harris County judge that can be considered crucial in the tight race. Hidalgo argues the county judge still can play a role on issues on which the county lacks direct oversight, such as gun control and abortion. Hidalgo-Mealer judge election is a showdown over Harris County 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. Brandon Waltens | October 4, 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. Lina Hidalgo Leads the Largest County in Texas, Tells Those Who Its rattlesnake season in Texas. Democrats thought their 3-2 majority on the Court would make this an easy task and they .