FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – A district court judge has ordered the removal of Brittanye Lashay Morris from the Democratic primary runoff ballot for Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4, following a legal challenge over her eligibility to hold the office.
In an order signed April 3, 2026, Judge Susan Brown ruled that Morris is ineligible to run for the position and directed the Fort Bend County Democratic Party to replace her on the ballot with plaintiff Nicole Roberts, who finished in third place during he Democratic primary.
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“After considering the pleadings, testimony and arguments of counsels, the Court finds the following: Brittanye Lashay Morris is ineligible as a candidate for the Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner,” the order reads.
Roberts welcomed the decision, framing the lawsuit as a matter of election integrity rather than political advantage.
“I’m grateful the court took these concerns seriously and upheld the integrity of our election process,” Roberts said in a statement posted on social media. “From the beginning, this was never about the outcome of one race. It was about making sure our elections are fair, transparent, and worthy of the voters’ trust. Fort Bend residents deserve a process they can believe in. I’m honored to now be on the ballot and moving forward in this race. My focus is on earning the support of voters and continuing to fight for the families of Precinct 4.”
Morris, who placed first in the primary and had advanced to the runoff, said her campaign plans to continue fighting the ruling.
“While we are disappointed with the court’s ruling, we remain fully confident that the rule of law will ultimately prevail,” Morris said in a statement. “It is important to note that any orders issued are not final for at least 30 days. During this time, our campaign will continue to move forward with unwavering energy and a steadfast commitment to the people we serve.”
Roberts’ original lawsuit argued that Morris failed to meet Texas residency requirements to run for county commissioner. Under state law, candidates must reside in the precinct they seek to represent for a specified period prior to the filing deadline.
“The Texas Constitution and our election laws require that candidates for public office must have resided continuously ‘in the territory from which the office is elected for six months’ from ‘the date of the regular filing deadline for candidate’s application for place on the ballot,” the lawsuit reads. “Six months from that date is June 8, 2025. Brittanye Morris was not resident of Fort Bend County Precinct by that date. In fact, it is likely that she still resides in Harris County.”
Roberts also argued that, because Morris was allegedly ineligible, the runoff should be recalculated without her votes, which would place Roberts in the runoff instead.
Following the ruling, Morris filed a petition in intervention challenging the court’s jurisdiction and Roberts’ legal standing to bring the case.
“Intervenor Morris was not a party and did not appear or argue during the recent hearing on whether she is eligible to serve in the position she currently seeks,” the filing reads. “This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this case because Plaintiff Nicole Roberts lacks standing.”
Morris’ filing also cites the Texas Election Code, asserting that once a candidate qualifies for a runoff ballot, their name must remain regardless of eligibility disputes:
“Because Morris could not, and cannot, be removed from the runoff ballot as a matter of law, Roberts had no legally cognizable interest,” the filing said. “The oral judgment rendered by this Court, as well as any written judgment, must be vacated, and this case must be dismissed for want of jurisdiction.”
The ruling immediately alters the May 26, 2026 Democratic runoff for Precinct 4, though further legal challenges could delay or change its implementation. Morris’ campaign has indicated it intends to continue contesting the decision, raising the possibility of an appeal or additional court proceedings.
The Fort Bend County Democratic Party did not comment.