HOUSTON – A new judge will take over Fort Bend County, at least for now, following the suspension of KP George after his recent felony conviction.
The swearing-in ceremony for Daniel Wong is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the Fort Bend County Courthouse.
Wong is expected to make a brief statement before immediately stepping into the role.
The suspension marks the first time in modern history that a sitting judge in Fort Bend County has been removed from office.
George was suspended on Friday following a civil lawsuit filed before his conviction. The lawsuit, brought by a Fort Bend County resident, alleges George violated her First Amendment rights by removing her during the public comment portion of a commissioners court meeting.
George was convicted of money laundering on March 20.
Shortly after the suspension, Judge Jeth Jones appointed Wong, the Republican nominee for the position, to temporarily fill the role. The appointment is allowed under state law but ultimately left to the judge’s discretion.
Wong learned about his appointment during a phone call from KPRC 2 reporter Mario Diaz and was unaware he had been selected.
In a statement released afterward, Wong said, “As County Judge, my focus is and will always be on the people of Fort Bend County.”
Not everyone agrees with how the appointment was handled. Dexter McCoy, the Democratic candidate set to face Wong in the November election, criticized the decision, accusing Judge Jones of abandoning judicial independence and influencing the upcoming race.
George had been set to serve until 2027 after losing in the March primary and has declined to comment on the suspension and appointment.
He is scheduled to return to court on May 5, where he faces additional allegations tied to an alleged social media hoax that prosecutors say benefited his campaign.
For now, Wong will assume the duties of county judge as the situation continues to unfold.