Fort Bend County Judge KP George switches from the Democratic Party to join the Republicans.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — In a stunning political move, Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Wednesday morning that he is switching parties, leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republicans.
George made the announcement at a press conference in Sugar Land, flanked by his attorney Jared Woodfill, and his wife.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as George remains under the cloud of serious legal troubles.
On May 19, he appeared in court after being indicted on two felony counts of money laundering, with allegations that the activity took place between January and April of 2019. The charges accuse George of laundering between $30,000 and $150,000.
George did not comment publicly following the May hearing, but Woodfill dismissed the case as politically motivated. Woodfill also filed a motion requesting that the presiding judge be recused, suggesting that even the appearance of impropriety warranted bringing in a judge from outside Fort Bend County.
The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office pushed back, saying the case should remain local, as it directly affects county residents.
George also faces a separate misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity as a candidate. His legal team has characterized both cases as weak and politically driven.
A hearing on the motion to recuse is expected to be taken up by an administrative judge in the coming weeks.
Check back for more on the developing story.