Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey sharply criticized Judge Lina Hidalgo on Tuesday, calling her claims against the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo “unfounded” and defending the organization during a tense Harris County Commissioners Court meeting.
Ramsey’s comments come as the fallout continues from a March 10 incident at NRG Stadium, where Hidalgo alleged she was mistreated by rodeo security during a sold-out concert.
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The resolution surrounding the rodeo situation was passed, but not before a motion raised by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and seconded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.
The modified and passed resolution removed language calling for Hidalgo’s resignation, reframing the focus from criticism towards the county judge to further appreciation for RodeoHouston.
This is the latest discourse from local leaders regarding the rodeo situation. Earlier this month, Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt called for Hidalgo to step down due to her “bizarre behavior.”
Ramsey’s criticism
“Some unfortunate remarks [were] made by the county judge,” Ramsey said. “I think they’re unfounded accusations, and when you make unfounded accusations about such a historic organization, there should be something said—you shouldn’t ignore it and say, ‘Well, it didn’t happen.’ Well, surely it wasn’t as presented.’ No, it was as presented.”
Ramsey also emphasized what he described as the unprecedented nature of the rodeo’s response.
“The unprecedented removal of Judge Hidalgo’s credentials from attending the rodeo—that’s never happened,” he said. “There are hundreds and thousands of volunteers. These are people that are out there trying to make this area better for everyone.”
He further criticized Hidalgo’s conduct, calling it a display of entitlement.
“The sense of entitlement from the judge’s chair in that episode out there is just incredible.”
Ramsey also revealed he contacted rodeo leadership directly following the controversy.
“I spoke with rodeo officials to apologize for the judge’s behavior,” he said.
Neither Judge Hidalgo nor Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia were present for Tuesday’s session.
Tense exchange at Commissioners Court
The issue sparked a back-and-forth among commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting, particularly as Ramsey pushed for stronger language addressing Hidalgo’s remarks about the rodeo.
“The issue is the rodeo. And the rodeo was insulted. The rodeo was disparaged,” Ramsey said during the discussion.
“And for us not to acknowledge that the rodeo was disparaged and that we need to set the record straight—I don’t agree with what she said," Ramsey continued. “I don’t agree with what Judge Hidalgo said. Can we at least say, ‘We don’t agree what she said about the rodeo’?”
Ellis motioned to remove the “resignation” line regarding the county judge.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones stepped in to support the removal of language calling for Hidalgo’s resignation.
“I will second Commissioner Ellis,” Briones said.
Ellis then moved forward with the vote.
“The motion has been made and seconded for the first four whereas is, under Commissioner Ramsey’s resolution and all of those in favor vote aye, those opposed nay. Two ayes and one nay. The item does pass,” Ellis said.
After the passing, the final resolution removed language regarding Hidalgo’s resignation, instead focused on recognizing and celebrating the rodeo and its contributions.
KPRC 2 has reached out to her office for comment.
Background on the rodeo dispute
The controversy stems from a March 10 incident during a sold-out concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Hidalgo has alleged she was “manhandled” and threatened by security after being denied access to the dirt area near the stage due to credential issues.
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Rodeo officials have disputed that account, stating Hidalgo did not have the required chute seat wristbands and was asked multiple times to return to her assigned suite.
They maintain staff acted appropriately and prioritized safety and ticketing policies.
Following the incident, the rodeo’s executive committee voted to revoke Hidalgo’s ex-officio director status, removing most of the privileges associated with the role.
The dispute has since escalated publicly, with both sides releasing statements and recordings, and now drawing direct involvement from county leadership.
As of Tuesday, the situation remains unresolved.