HOUSTON – Tensions are rising within Harris County leadership after a contentious Commissioners Court meeting led to the formal censure of County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
The fallout has sparked debate among commissioners, and the public, about whether the judge should remain in office.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, the court’s lone Republican, initiated the push to censure Judge Hidalgo for what he described as “a failure to conduct herself in a proper, respectable decorum.” Following the vote, Ramsey is now exploring the possibility of removing Hidalgo from office altogether.
In a statement to KPRC 2, Ramsey cited a “pattern of outbursts,” disruption of meetings, and a failure to maintain order and decorum as grounds for possible removal. Ramsey says it is the court’s ‘responsibility’ to explore all options.
“To do nothing would be irresponsible and, in my opinion, a dereliction of duty,” Ramsey said.
According to state statute, a county judge can be removed from office for incompetency, official misconduct, or intoxication. The statute goes on to say a written petition and a formal hearing would be required to proceed with removal.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia of Precinct 2 supported the censure but stopped short of backing Ramsey’s removal efforts.
“I don’t know anything about that right now,” Garcia told KPRC 2 when asked if he would support removing Judge Hidalgo. “Yesterday we took a very decisive step in issuing a censure. I think that hopefully will communicate that the people of Harris County deserve better.”
Garcia added that discussions around sensitive topics like new taxes require respectful, productive debate, not disruptions.
“You can’t be having outbursts. If we’re going to have a public debate about something as important as a new tax, then we ought to be able to have that debate,” he said.
Still, Garcia believes Judge Hidalgo should take accountability.
“I think she should strongly consider recognizing faults in her actions and make an appropriate statement to the public.”
Commissioner Lesley Briones of Precinct 4 also voted in favor of the censure, citing repeated incidents of “disrespectful, disruptive behavior.”
“It wasn’t unsurprising, but again, it was very unfortunate and saddening,” Briones said of the most recent meeting. “Actions have consequences. We need to keep decorum and stay laser-focused on the very important work that we have to do.”
But when asked whether she supports removing Hidalgo from office, Briones drew a clear line: “No. I believe that in our democracy, those decisions should be left to the voters.”
Despite the controversy, Briones expressed hope that the court can move forward in a more respectful and productive manner.
“I’m an optimist, so I hope we will never again see that behavior. Because again, the people deserve better.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis was the only ‘no’ vote on the censure. When contacted for comment regarding the possibility of removal, Ellis’s office declined to respond.
For Judge Hidalgo to be removed from office, a formal process would need to begin with a written petition citing one of three state-defined grounds: incompetency, official misconduct, or intoxication. A court hearing would follow to determine the merits of the case.
As of now, no official petition has been filed.
KPRC 2 attempted to reach Judge Hidalgo for comment following the censure vote and Commissioner Ramsey’s remarks. Her office has not responded to KPRC 2’s request for an interview.
Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s statement:
“In the wake of yesterday’s chaotic Commissioners Court, it is time to consider replacing Judge Hidalgo in office.
The practical reasons are obvious:
- unpredictable absences from Court meetings
- numerous outbursts with colleagues, county officials, law enforcement and others in the presence of the public, including children
- unrestrained profanity in public meetings
- the inability to effectively conduct Commissioners Court meetings within the rules of decorum and decency
- poor management resulting in criminal investigations
- a Commissioners Court censure
- refusal to accept Court votes and decisions
More importantly, as the presiding authority over the court and as the head of emergency management for Harris County, her actions and words have become increasingly unpredictable. In a crisis, what will be her reaction? She has lost a majority of the public trust.
Harris County deserves better leadership. A glaring example of the lack of it is the efficiency in which the Court conducts business during her absences. Though we may disagree on the specific items, Commissioners’ discussion is civil, business is conducted professionally, and the court operates as intended for the benefit of Harris County.
I believe we have a responsibility to at least explore every option for ensuring our meetings remain professional and productive, including, if warranted, the potential removal of a court member. To do nothing would be irresponsible and, in my opinion, a dereliction of my duty as a commissioner.
Discussions of removal of a public official involve significant, important, legal and procedural steps. I am simply asking the question, ‘does her behavior warrant her removal?’”