Employees Only. Espaol / English. She's responsible for emergency management, which means she's in charge when disasters strike, whether that comes in the form of chemical fires, floods, a pandemic or power grid failures during a historic winter storm . LIVE UPDATES: 2022 Texas Primary Election Results. 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. 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. As Hidalgo's woes multiplied in commissioners court, her political opponent continued to rack up high-dollar contributions from well-heeled conservative donors. 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. GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after Election 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. 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 . Harris County Judge 2022 Primary Election: A look at who's running 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. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo at a Commissioners Court meeting in February 2020. Hidalgo touts among her . "The math is clear, and one plus one equals two, but they're still trying to pin that on us," she said. Sen. Ted Cruz, who endorsed Mealer showed up at Mealer's election watch party. As County judge, she oversees an annual budget of $4.3 billion with four other County commissioners (who all happen to be men). Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? Code 7.104] 2 All State Senate seats are up for election in 2022 following redistricting in 2021. I sincerely appreciate your vote of confidence in electing me. If the unofficial results stand, Democrats would retain and expand control of the county government four years after they won a majority for the first time in decades. Alexandra Mealer is a tenacious campaigner, said Jessica Coln, a Houston-based Republican strategist who is uninvolved in the race. The poll, which surveyed nearly 1,000 likely election voters, has Mealer leading 48 percent to Hidalgo's 44 percent. another GOP candidate for county judge, called Hidalgo a "formidable campaigner," adding that progressives see her as a key component to flipping Texas blue. Three of her staffers have been indicted by District Attorney Kim Ogg over a controversial COVID-19 outreach contract, an investigation that Hidalgo has decried as a witch-hunt. 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. EXPLAINER: What you need to know about Lina Hidalgo and Alex Mealer in the race for Harris County judge. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saw her most challenging year in politics in 2022. New survey looks at voting trends in Harris County Judge race Taken on September 7, 2022. 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. 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. Tax Rates. I also want to thank Ms. Mealer for a hard-fought campaign & her military service. He grew up in Connecticut, graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, and is a die-hard Red Sox fan. 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. The last-minute celebrity endorsements were one of Hidalgos last campaign moves before the Nov. 8 election. Mar 2, 2022. 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. Cortez, Tania Ramirez, and Norma Ramirez are running in the Democratic Party primary. The request to keep the polling sites open late was made by the Texas Organizing Project, Texas Civil Rights Project and the ACLU of Texas. 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! Following a challenging Election Night in Harris County plagued by delays and closings of multiple polling locations, voting tallies showed Hidalgo holding onto an unofficial lead of less than two points over Mealer, a West Point graduate and ex-Army captain. Republican Challengers to Lina Hidalgo Spar in Heated Runoff for Harris During her campaign, Hidalgo said she was also subjected to smears, attacks, and the "dirtiest political tricks" from statewide leaders like Gov. Staff writers Samantha Ketterer, Yilun Cheng and Elizabeth Trovall contributed to this report. Democrats appear headed for victory in the unofficial results of two commissioner contests as well, showings that could expand their majority on Commissioners Court to a 4-1 split. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke is leading . What does the data say? Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer has conceded her bid to unseat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, with unofficial results show her trailing by just shy of 16,000 votes. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Democrat Lina Hidalgo has won a second term for Harris County Judge in a close race for the top executive position in the county. The poll released by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo at 48% among likely . 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. For any questions regarding your voter information please call the Hidalgo County's Elections Department at (956) 318-2570. . TEXAS VOTER GUIDE: The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election. "Hidalgo continues to be the front-runner, primarily because of the makeup of Harris County in terms of partisanship," Cross said. Democrats thought their 3-2 majority on the Court would make this an easy task and they . 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. Hidalgo County Clerk. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer, Gary Fountain/Contributor. 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. Surrounded by fellow Democrats, Lina Hidalgo delivered victory remarks and passing jabs at her detractors during a Wednesday afternoon speech following herdefeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. We earned them with hard work and with results over the past four years.". . Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Incumbent Judge Lina Hidalgo is running for re-election after securing a historic - and surprising - win in 2018. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo gives a speech at the Harris County Democratic Party headquarters after being reelected for a second term on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 in Houston. County Judge Lina Hidalgo's biggest moments of 2022 Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County DeputiesOrganization in Houston. Hidalgo's ethics argument also been blunted by the felony indictment of three current and former aides on charges of misuse of official information and tampering. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged it after Rogers' ruling, prompting the intervention by the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court. LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. 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. Kennedy is a reporter at Chron covering all things Houston. For the first time, the two candidates for Harris County judge, incumbent Lina Hidalgo and challenger Alexandra Mealer, sat down face-to-face. Their Republican opponents will need runoffs to determine winners. STAY IN THE KNOW, by visiting our website in the next couple of days. District Clerk Marilyn Burgess led her Democratic challenger in the early returns. Hidalgo cited the two Republicans blockade of a new tax rate as justification, saying they endangered vital county services. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. The board praised her plans to combat violent crime in the county and promises to clear a backlog of criminal cases at the courthouse. . Hidalgo's staffers being charged in 2022 with helping . Heres what you need to know. Axios on twitter. She was previously a political reporter with the Texas Signal. We need more vaccine, Turner said. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Lina Hidalgo - Ballotpedia Politics A new poll shows the Harris County Judge's race is neck-and-neck. Poll Shows Republican Alex Mealer Leading in Harris County Judge Race Lina Hidalgo, a rising Democratic star, faces a tough reelection race to lead Harris County. Republicans Have Their Knives Out for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo On election night, Mealer conceded the race after unofficial results showed Hidalgo riding to a comfortable 15,000-vote lead. That's why tonight we are hosting a forum with the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge in the Democratic Party Primary. 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. First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail. "Truth won over lies." ", Before closing out her speech, Hidalgo turned attention to any who don't believe she won her reelection fair and square. 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. 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. She has been on the ground to cover natural disasters, disease outbreaks, elections and protests, delivering stories to both . Texas 2022 Elections Texas' 2022 races coming into focus as candidate filings close. But that hasn't stopped RGV residents from working together for the things we all need to thrive. Hidalgo has refused campaign contributions from county contractors since the start of her term, aiming to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Members of Commissioners Court historically have relied heavily on firms that do business with the county to stockpile huge campaign war chests. 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. Dylan McGuinness covers City Hall and local politics for the Houston Chronicle. Sort of. Hidalgo has been forced to play defense on the issue, with Mealer and other Republicans pointing to a rise in homicides and overall violent crime in Harris County. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? Those two forces are clashing, according to Nancy Sims, a political analyst and lecturer of political science at the University of Houston. Commissioner Jack and Janet Cagle, center, at his election night party at Maize's Restaurant in Houston. 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. Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. Harris County Judge candidates: Lina Hidalgo vs Alexandra del Moral Mealer Candidate for Harris County Judge Alexandra del Moral Mealer poses for a photo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. 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. VIDEO: Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer debate Harris County budget, crime and policy. Rest assured that I take, very seriously, the responsibility to serve all of Hidalgo County. Editorial: We recommend Alexandra Mealer for Harris County Judge Judge Lina Hidalgo moved the COVID - 19 Threat to Level Orange at Houston Transtar Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Houston. The court last year redrew both precincts to favor Democrats. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Judge. And there is something for us to do. Against the newcomer, Hidalgo's campaign appeared unworried about Mealer's prospects and trusted voters would secure her position again. Instead, the ad makes a specific claim about Mealer and a specific policy. Elections Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo throws shade at Mattress Mack, local leaders during victory speech. Hidalgo County Judge Candidates Will Tackle the Biggest - LUPE Cagle was unopposed on the Republican side. Lawyers for the aides have maintained their innocence. Controversial Harris County Judge Hidalgo Draws Multiple Challengers in Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for reelection. Houston Chronicle Editorial Board recommends Alexandra Mealer, not Lina "No one really knows what the county judge does. ", Thank you to all those who supported our campaign for good governance pic.twitter.com/ZnjLvtQVTO. 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. Judges at the courthouse quickly encountered trouble in those unofficial returns. "To the extent we work on these issues that affect us all, all of us will do better. If you are running in the March 2022 primaries, we want to hear from you. From attacks by Texas Republicans, charges filed against her staff, a well-funded campaign against her and Commissioner Court drama, Hidalgo still finished the year with a win to keep her seat as top county official for the next four years. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. 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. Hidalgo's slight edge over Mealer emerged with the results of early and absentee voting, and remained largely the same as the county's tallying process dragged on into the morning. Her leadership has been recognized through several awards and national awards, especially for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic and received recognition for protecting voting rights. Lina Hidalgo Leads the Largest County in Texas, Tells Those Who 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 . Mealer's tough-on-crime campaign also spotlighted these accusations, framing the 31-year-old incumbent as an adversary of local law enforcement. Oct 25, 2022 - News. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia were set to cruise through local primary elections Tuesday night, but a slew of incumbent judges faced bleaker outcomes at the district courthouse. Axios on linkedin. The County Judge is the presiding officer of the county commissioners court and the head of emergency management. Help us ask the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge the challenging questions. Ellie Torres (D) Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 5. Race for Harris County judge still too close to call Hobby School Poll: Harris County Judge's Race Too Close to Call 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 . Hidalgo-Mealer judge election is a showdown over Harris County I am committed to working hard every day . Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. 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. 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.. Hidalgo also addressed the millions in campaign contributions her opponent garnered from "far right, Trump mega-donors," while campaigning for office. The primary election is March 1, 2022. 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. HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. 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. Emmett (Republican Party) . A new study says yes. Five questions with Harris County judge candidate Alexandra Mealer Hidalgo also faced more specific challenges, including her fundraising disadvantage and a corruption probe. The national environment a key factor in the outcome of the county judge race, political experts say now appears to be shifting back in favor of Republicans. Recent polls reflected the two candidates were in a virtual dead heat, with Mealer up two points over Hidalgo. Saturday, January 1, 2022. Harris County Judge: Lina Hidalgo takes the lead in 2022 Texas Primary Where do the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge stand on the biggest challenges facing colonia residents and the Rio Grande Valley? Texas Ethics Commission . Join us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live tonight, Friday, February 4th at 5 pm. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (956)318-2570. Three county jurists County Court at Law Judges Franklin Bynum and David Singer, and Probate Judge Michael Newman also were behind in the early tallies. (Jon Shapley, Staff photographer), Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. Poll Watcher's Guide (PDF) Public Information Request (PDF) Election Forms 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. Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo is running for a second term as Harris County Judge. Procedures for Candidates, 2019-2021. Hidalgo County residents and colonia residents in particular are on the frontlines of the biggest challenges facing the nation and the world. Hidalgo defeats Mealer in Harris County judge race challenging Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election, 1,000 additional law enforcement officers. McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. 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. said Judge Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official of Harris County, Texas, after news broke last week that 30 truckloads of contaminated firefighting water were arriving each day to Deer Park, a suburb of 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. Hidalgo argued Republicans are forcing the county to scale back other essential services, and as she commented on the impacts to various departments, Mealer supporters rolled their eyes, laser-focused on their candidates goal of hiring more patrol officers. Democratic incumbent Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer addressed voters in Houston. 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. "Right now the county judge race is in a . Hidalgo County Sample Ballots Lookup Members shall draw lots to determine who serves which terms. Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? 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. 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. Minerva Diaz (R) Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo talks to her supporters at an primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Solis: Redo the primary election in Hidalgo County; tens of thousands Lina Hidalgo reelected as Harris County judge. Hidalgo drew support from 45%. Former Army Capt. 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. Mealer said. Texas 2022 elections: Who won, who lost Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won reelection after a close race against well-funded opponent Alexandra del Moral Mealer. That message helped Mealer rake in millions in campaign cash, with six-figure support in the last month from the likes of Gallery Furniture owner Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale and energy executive David Modesett, among others. In addition to the county judge race, Republican Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle is running against Democrat Lesley Briones, and Democratic Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia is in a rematch with Republican Jack Morman, the former commissioner he narrowly ousted four years ago. 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.