Lina Hidalgo defeated incumbent Ed Emmett and Eric Gatlin in the general election for Harris County Judge on November 6, . Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a COVID-19 press conference in July 2021. And there is something for us to do. . 1 of 11 Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at a primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. In February, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick criticized Hidalgo for where she decided to stand at the memorial service of slain Harris County Pct. 05/09/2022 01:51 PM EDT. So, I think it's actually harmful to spend a lot of time talking about issues that aren't in your control," Mealer said. LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. Rest assured that I take, very seriously, the responsibility to serve all of Hidalgo County. For several election cycles, Houston-area voters have favored Democrats over Republicans. On Friday, Hidalgo County Judge Richard . Hidalgo has maintained that the scandal was a politically motivated attack and has publicly defended her aides. This is a carousel. Republicans say violent crime is up, Dems say it's down. Campaign Finance Reports. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 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. pic.twitter.com/WBczbAdXiT, Mealer issued a statement conceding victory on Twitter earlier Wednesday morning, writing: "While we did not accomplish our goal of changing leadership in Harris County, we were successful in elevating the profile of critical issues like the need to appropriately resource our law enforcement and criminal justice system as well as the desire to eliminate corruption and increase transparency in local government. Mealer, who keyed in on violent crime in Harris County, was also favored in donations, outraising Hidalgo by nearly $7 million in campaign contributions thanks in large part to a number of generous GOP donors. Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? . "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. 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. Last Day to Register to Vote. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The Editorial Board. 2022 Candidate's Guide - Running for State, District or County Office; 2020 Candidate's Guide - Running for Federal, State, District or County offices. Editor's Note: Calling all Rio Grande Valley candidates. 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. That is not guaranteed, though, given the narrow nature of their leads and the in-limbo status of the set-aside ballots. "The community has a position on these issues, and they want to know their leader's position. 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. Harris County Commissioner Pct. 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. "The math is clear, and one plus one equals two, but they're still trying to pin that on us," she said. Ed Emmett (Republican Party) was the Harris County Judge in Texas. "They do that to get you talking about everything but Harris County. FOX 26 Houston. In the four years since her upset victory thrust her into office as a 27-year-old newcomer, Hidalgo has reimagined the boundaries of county government, reaching beyond its traditional focus on public safety and flood control to also address such issues as childhood development, immigration and environmental control. Hidalgo's 2018 win was fueled by a perfect storm of political factors: voters outraged by the Trump administration, high Democratic turnout for Beto O'Rourke's campaign against Sen. Ted Cruz and the popularity of straight-ticket voting. Chris Daniel, a former district clerk, ran unopposed in the Republican primary. 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. By the time candidates began announcing for the 2022 Texas primaries in mid-November, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, chief executive of the county that includes Houston, seemed to have safely . If Hidalgo holds on to win, she will have overcome an aggressive re-election fight in a hostile political climate for Democrats. I am committed to working hard every day . Staff writers Samantha Ketterer, Yilun Cheng and Elizabeth Trovall contributed to this report. This is a developing story. 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 . . Hidalgo, meanwhile, raised about $2.4 million in . We'll ask them about immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding, broadband internet, and more. Elections Harris County election results 2022: County judge, commissioners, propositions. The 31-year-old stood in front of supporters applauding and chanting her name at the office of the Harris Democratic Party. One of the first priorities for newly elected County Judge Lina Hidalgo was to push through an historic 8% property tax increase - the maximum property tax increase allowed. Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer gets ready to talk to the media as early election results come in at her watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. Among those trailing are five criminal district court judges: Chuck Silverman, 183rd district court; Abigail Anastasio, 184th; Greg Glass, 208th; and Amy Martin, 263rd. "My opponent will often say, well, none of these are county issues," Hidalgo said. And Mealer, 38, a retired Army veteran, ran a spirited campaign arguing that Hidalgo has forsaken public safety in the name of extracurricular goals. Democratic incumbent Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer addressed voters in Houston. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. District Clerk Marilyn Burgess led her Democratic challenger in the early returns. Members shall draw lots to determine who serves which terms. 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. "She does seem to evoke strong emotions in either party. ", 'POLITICS OF PERCEPTION': Hidalgo, Harris County Dems hope for boost from abortion, national trends, but races still competitive over crime, economy. Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 North Closner. Welcome to Hidalgo County! Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. This is a carousel. Members of her own party also tried to "preserve the status quo," Hidalgo said without naming anyone in particular. EXPLAINER: What you need to know about Lina Hidalgo and Alex Mealer in the race for Harris County judge. 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. I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. Another candidate for county judge is McAllen City Commissioner Tania Ramirez. 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. 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. A new study says yes. . Sort of. "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." LIVE UPDATES: 2022 Texas Primary Election Results. Mealer, a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, says she wants the county to go back to the basics and has said she will hire 1,000 additional law enforcement officers if elected and Republicans win a majority on Commissioners Court. Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo . The vote intention in the race for Harris County judge is 52% for Democrat Lina Hidalgo and 42% for Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer, with 6% undecided. IN THIS EPISODE: Alexandra Del Moral Mealer, the GOP Candidate running for Harris County Judge, talks about what led to her jump on the campaign trail with a goal to unseat incumbent candidate . Her opponent, incumbent county Judge Lina Hidalgo, told ABC13 at the time the numbers were looking better and that Harris County is not alone in battling crime. Incumbent Judge Lina Hidalgo is running for re-election after securing a historic - and surprising - win in 2018. The intense exchange was just one of many instances in which the lieutenant governor has openly rejected Hidalgo. Climate damage has fueled storms that flood our region. "We've worked for a commissioners court that looks like our county and we've worked to make sure that diversity is represented throughout the leadership of county government," she said. 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. Texas 2022 Elections GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after . Edinburg, Texas 78539. Search Texas Monthly "Because Lina has funded more full-time social workers than she has sheriff deputies.". Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? Many pundits have said these races are too close to call, and early vote returns reflect that these races are tight, Sims said. 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. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz attends Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. Oct 25, 2022 - News. Hidalgo enjoyed a small lead in the 2018 early vote, and she performed better on Election Day, growing her lead to secure a 50-to-48 percent victory. He has also reported on local politics for both papers. 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. The County Judge is the presiding officer of the county commissioners court and the head of emergency management. Marc Campos, a longtime Houston Democratic consultant who is not involved in the race, said Hidalgo likely will benefit from low propensity voters who feel motivated to turn out because of abortion rights. Procedures for Candidates, 2019-2021. 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! Candidate for Harris County Judge Alexandra del Moral Mealer poses for a photo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. BY THE NUMBERS: Republicans say violent crime is up, Dems say it's down. McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. . Oct. 12, 2022. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at an primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. He grew up in Connecticut, graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, and is a die-hard Red Sox fan. For any questions regarding your voter information please call the Hidalgo County's Elections Department at (956) 318-2570. . WHEN: Friday, Feb 4th, 2022, at 5 pm ### LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. 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. Marie D. De Jess/Staff photographer . November 8, 2022 General Election & Local Entities Elections. First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail. 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. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? 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. . He joined the Hearst Austin bureau in 2021 after nearly three years as a City Hall reporter for the Chronicle and a prior stint covering Bexar County for the Express-News. Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo is running for a second term as Harris County Judge. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? ", Yesterday, the people of Harris County chose optimism over fear & people over politics. 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. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? she shouted to roaring applause. That fundraising ability allowed Mealer to distribute TV ads hammering home her message that crime is out of control and Hidalgo is to blame. "Harris County is still trending blue," Campos said, "and I think with the Dobbs case, the whole abortion case, that's energizing female voters and I think that's going to help out Democrats up and down the ticket.". Hidalgo also faced more specific challenges, including her fundraising disadvantage and a corruption probe. Hidalgo and other Democrats hoped that firewall would help them stave off challenges in a race where their contests appear in the latter pages of a drawn-out ballot. Alexandra del Moral Mealer and attorney Vidal Martinez were leading the nine-candidate Republican field for the GOPs nomination for county judge. Following Democrat Lesley Briones' election win against incumbent Jack Cagle for Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, Hidalgo noted that the Commissioners Court now has three Hispanics and two women. She enjoys binge-watching anime and films makeup tutorials in her spare time. Brandon Waltens | October 4, 2022. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Martin trailed by a small margin, while the rest trailed by larger amounts. 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 .