FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The legal battle over who can serve as Fort Bend County judge escalated Monday after the county attorney filed a new lawsuit seeking to remove Daniel Wong from office.
Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson announced Monday that she filed a legal action in the name of the State of Texas, arguing Wong has “no lawful right” to continue serving as county judge.
Recommended Videos
The filing comes just hours after Wong sued Smith-Lawson, asking a district court to reaffirm the validity of his court-ordered appointment and accusing the county attorney of creating uncertainty within county government.
According to Smith-Lawson’s office, Wong’s authority to serve as county judge rests solely on an April 10 court order issued in a civil removal case. The county attorney argues that order is void under Texas law and cannot legally give Wong title to the office.
The filing states that only the State, not a private individual, may bring the type of removal case that resulted in the April 10 order. It also notes that the underlying case was later dismissed, ending any temporary authority tied to that proceeding.
As part of the lawsuit, Smith-Lawson is asking the court to declare that Wong has no legal right to hold or exercise the office of Fort Bend County judge and to remove any claim that he does. The filing also seeks court orders intended to prevent confusion, protect attorney-client communications and avoid legally questionable county contracts and records while the case is pending.
“As Fort Bend County Attorney, I am acting squarely within my statutory duty to represent the State in District Court and to bring quo warranto proceedings when someone is alleged to be unlawfully holding a public office,” Smith-Lawson said in a statement. “This is an institutional responsibility assigned to my office by the Texas Constitution and Legislature; it is not a political or partisan decision.”
Smith-Lawson also alleged that Wong’s lawsuit against her is an attempt to “coerce, bully, and intimidate” her from carrying out her duties as county attorney.
Earlier Monday, Wong filed his own lawsuit against Smith-Lawson, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. According to the lawsuit, Wong was appointed by district court order under Chapter 87 of the Texas Local Government Code following the suspension of the former county judge, and that appointment has never been vacated, modified or set aside by a court.
Wong’s lawsuit argues Smith-Lawson’s actions have created unnecessary uncertainty within county government, disrupted Commissioners Court business and diverted public resources.
“The people of Fort Bend County deserve certainty, stability, and a government focused on serving the public, not political disputes,” Wong said in a statement. “We are asking the courts to reaffirm what the Constitution already requires so that county government can remain focused on the people’s business.”
The competing lawsuits mark the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute over who legally holds the office of Fort Bend County judge. It will now be up to the courts to determine whether Wong can continue serving in the role.