Lina Hidalgo will announce her decision about a third term as Harris County Judge in the coming weeks.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she plans to announce in the coming weeks whether she will seek a third term in 2026.
KHOU 11 News reporter Jason Miles spoke with Hidalgo following a commissioners court meeting, where she said she couldn’t discuss the matter during the session. However, her office later issued an official statement.
“Our democracy is built on open participation, and more options for voters is a good thing,” Hidalgo said in the statement. “I understand the desire to know whether I will be running, and I expect to announce a decision in the coming weeks.”
Hidalgo, who serves as the county’s chief executive, was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Her future political plans have been the subject of speculation, especially with the next election cycle approaching.
KHOU 11 will provide updates as soon as Hidalgo makes her decision.
Other candidates already in
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced earlier this month that she will run for Harris County Judge in 2026.
Parker, who served as Houston’s mayor from 2010 to 2016, made her announcement on the steps of the Harris County Civil Courthouse. She said she plans to compete in the Democratic primary next March and aims to be on the November 2026 ballot.
Another candidate, former reporter and Piney Point Village Mayor Aliza Dutt, has also announced plans to run for the seat.