HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s office confirms she is not running for reelection next year.
It’s unclear what the County Judge plans to do after her term ends, but she noted in a video post on Instagram that she plans to stay engaged in politics.
On Tuesday, Hidalgo spoke about her decision not to run for a third term.
“I decided when I was first elected in 2019 that I would not serve more than two terms,” she said. “I am making this announcement now so that candidates have time to get in the race and we can have a well-run, competitive race for county judge.”
Hidalgo became county judge in 2019. With her election, she became the first woman to be elected as the county judge.
She was reelected in November 2022. Her current term expires in December 2026.
She listed multiple accomplishments she said she is proud of during her term, including reducing homelessness, increasing access to early childhood education, and emergency response among other things.
“With this job I have fallen more in love with Harris County. There are many other places where we have politicians of all stripes, but not many where a 26-year-old immigrant can be elected the county executive. When my family came to the United States, Houston, Harris County was a shining city on a hill and it still is for me,” she said.
Four candidates are already in the running to become the next Harris County Judge.
Running for the Democratic Party are former Mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Councilmember Letitia Plummer. On the Republican side, Houston Firefighters’ Union leader Marty Lancton and Mayor of Piney Point Village Aliza Dutt are running.
The primary is on March 3 to choose which candidates will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
Potential candidates still have until December 8 to apply to get on the primary ballot.