HOUSTON – Daniel Wong is now serving as interim county judge after being sworn in Monday morning following the suspension of KP George.
The move comes after George’s recent felony conviction, which led to his removal from office. But Wong’s appointment is raising new questions not just about how the process works, but whether it’s fair.
How did this happen?
Under Texas law, when an elected official is suspended, they are unable to perform their duties. In those cases, a visiting judge is assigned to step in and ensure the office continues to function.
That’s what happened here.
A visiting judge, Jeth Jones was appointed to oversee the situation and ultimately selected Wong to temporarily fill the role.
Reporter Re’Chelle Turner asked Judge Jones why he choose Wong and he stated he could not comment on pending cases.
Political analyst Mark Jones says this type of assignment is standard practice in cases like this.
“When these types of cases occur, you go outside of the county generally because of the potential conflict of interest, and so a higher court appointed him to serve in this case,” Jones said.
Why Daniel Wong?
Wong is not just stepping into the role, he’s also the Republican nominee for Fort Bend County judge. He previously defeated George in the primary and is already on the ballot for November.
He was appointed, not elected, and will serve in the position temporarily until voters make a final decision later this year.
Why isn’t there a special election?
There will not be a special election to fill the role immediately.
Experts say that’s because the race is already underway.
“The Republicans have chosen their November candidate, and the Democrats will choose their candidate in May,” Jones explained. “Also, under Texas law, when a county judge is removed, we don’t have a special election.”
On the Democratic side, Dexter McCoy and Rachelle Carter are facing off in a May runoff to determine who will challenge Wong in November.
Concerns about fairness
That timing is raising concerns for some, including McCoy.
“I think there are a lot of questions around how this appointment process took place… that somehow we arrived at someone who has no county experience but happens to be the GOP nominee for this seat,” McCoy said. “People are concerned.”
When asked whether he is considering legal action, McCoy said:
“I think at this point all options are on the table.”
Carter also weighed in, saying the situation deserves closer review.
“This may warrant some review to ensure the process is clear and fair. At face value, it could be viewed as creating an unfair advantage,” Carter said in a statement.
However, she emphasized her focus remains on voters and key issues facing the county.
“My focus right now is not on the appointment itself, but on what matters most to the residents of Fort Bend County,” Carter said.
“Ultimately, the people of Fort Bend County will decide who should lead, and I trust that process.”
Carter released a full statement that reads:
“This may warrant some review to ensure the process is clear and fair. At face value, it could be viewed as creating an unfair advantage.
“My focus right now is not on the appointment itself, but on what matters most to the residents of Fort Bend County.
“This election should be about the future—how we manage growth responsibly, how we invest in infrastructure to keep our communities moving, and how we ensure public safety across the county. Those are the issues I am hearing about every day from voters, and that is where my attention remains.
“I believe voters want leadership that is steady, solutions-oriented, and prepared to serve. That is what I offer through my experience as an associate judge, business owner, and longtime resident of this community.
“As for any legal action, I am focused on my campaign and connecting with voters across the county. Ultimately, the people of Fort Bend County will decide who should lead, and I trust that process.
What happens next?
For now, Wong is expected to serve as interim county judge until voters decide who will lead Fort Bend County in the November election.
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, a Democratic candidate who could face Wong in the November election if he wins in a runoff election against Judge Rachelle Carter, 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.