Hidalgo defeats Mealer in Harris County judge race Despite seeing a barrage of criticisms . At first, there was little sign she would face a serious re-election threat, with Harris County appearing to solidify as a Democratic stronghold by 2020. In Precinct 2, former commissioner Jack Morman and Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton led three other candidates. Race for Harris County judge still too close to call Published: November 8, 2022, 11:56 AM Updated: November 9, 2022, 1:04 AM Tags: Decision 2022 , Harris County , Voting , Lina Hidalgo . U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz attends Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. The contract was ultimately rescinded, and Hidalgo has continuously defended her office and aides in relation to the indictment. Texas 2022 Elections GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after . Harris County Judge: Lina Hidalgo takes the lead in 2022 Texas Primary The ongoing political showdown over the county's annual budget process has pitted the Mealer and Hidalgo camps firmly against one another, offering voters a clear view of the candidates different visions for the role Harris County government should play. People are looking beyond party lines and looking to the person, and thats the way local politics really should be, Mealer told reporters following the initial results. Terry Palacios wins Democratic nomination in Hidalgo County district attorney race, unofficial election results show 1 year 13 hours 11 minutes ago Tuesday, March 01 2022 Mar 1, 2022 March 01 . Sort of. Don't elect their candidate for County Judge" or something and avoided a poor fact checking result. Hidalgo's slight edge over Mealer emerged with the results of early and absentee voting, and remained largely the same as the county's tallying process dragged on into the morning. No candidate in those two races had the majority needed to win outright on election night. 'Mattress Mack' endorses GOP opponent of Lina Hidalgo for county judge Hector de Leon, who works for the county clerk's office that used to oversee elections, analyzed early vote data to show some turnout trends among different demographic categories. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo made passing reference to Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and other prominent endorsers of her political opponent Alex Mealer during a Wednesday victory speech. Chris Daniel, a former district clerk, ran unopposed in the Republican primary. . If the unofficial results stand, Democrats would retain and expand control of the county government four years after they won a majority for the first time in decades. Emmett left office in 2019. Along her campaign trail, Hidalgo amassed the support of celebrities like Hamilton playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chicago rapper and actor Common, and actress Jane Fonda, who block-walked with her in Houston last month. Axios on linkedin. 5 Deputy Corporal Charles Galloway. Updated: . Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke is leading . Power-hungry politicians use our home to scapegoat immigrants, divide citizens and enrich wealthy special interests. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at an primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo high-fives a woman in the front row during an abortion rights rally organized by Beto O'Rourke at Discovery Green on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in Houston. "While we did not accomplish our goal of changing leadership in Harris County, we were successful in elevating the profile of critical issues like the need to appropriately resource our law enforcement and criminal justice system, as well as the desire to eliminate corruption and increase transparency in local government," Mealer said in a statement on social media. While Hidalgo has raised millions from small-dollar donors, she has struggled to keep pace with Mealer, who reported a fundraising haul of $4.9 million from July 1 through Sept. 29, the latest period covered by public campaign finance reports. . Previously, she was a community news and breaking news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. Editorial: We recommend Alexandra Mealer for Harris County Judge HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. Search Texas Monthly The Editorial Board. Mealer's tough-on-crime campaign also spotlighted these accusations, framing the 31-year-old incumbent as an adversary of local law enforcement. Republicans and prominent business leaders in Harris County made unseating Hidalgo a priority. "I want to thank her for her concession and I want to thank her again for her service to our country so let's give her a round of applause." On Twitter Wednesday morning, Hidalgo celebrated her win, tweeting: "Yesterday, the people of Harris County chose optimism over fear & people over politics. Hidalgo's 2018 win was fueled by a perfect storm of political factors: voters outraged by the Trump administration, high Democratic turnout for Beto O'Rourke's campaign against Sen. Ted Cruz and the popularity of straight-ticket voting. Hidalgo has held the position since defeating then-incumbent and longtime County . She pointed to a recent city-county gun buyback program and county spending aimed at addressing maternal mortality. Hidalgos stature quickly skyrocketed after the 2018 election, as she developed a passionate following among liberals inspired to see a Colombian immigrant elected at age 27 go toe-to-toe with Republican state leaders and veteran county commissioners. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo waits to speak to the media after the Harris County Commissioners Court went into executive session Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Houston. Campaign finance reports received by the Harris County Office of the Elections Administrator on July 15 show $2.88M in total contributions between Feb. 20-June 30 to the two candidates for Harris . Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives to a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. . Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. In the week leading up to Election Day, First Lady Jill Biden, Hamilton Broadway star Lin Manuel-Miranda and rapper Common stumped for Hidalgo and encouraged voters to cast their ballots for Democratic candidates. Norma Ramirez resigns as Hidalgo County Democratic Party chair 2022 Primary Election | Hidalgo County, TX - Official Website She has been on the ground to cover natural disasters, disease outbreaks, elections and protests, delivering stories to both . Mealer calls Hidalgo's campaign strategy dishonest and has criticized Hidalgo for focusing on abortion rights, a policy area the county judge has no authority over. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo high-fives a woman in the front row during an abortion rights rally organized by Beto O'Rourke at Discovery Green on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in Houston. (Jon Shapley, Staff photographer), Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. Houston Newsmakers: First-time candidate, political newcomer Alexandra Corresponding demonstrations led by members of local law enforcement only added to the sentiment that the judge's control was under pressure, and opposition against the incumbent was capped by the court being forced to adopt a no-new budget stance due to ongoing Republican no-shows. Solis: Redo the primary election in Hidalgo County; tens of thousands Texas GOP may censure Tony Gonzales over gay marriage, gun votes, Rep. Joaquin Castro's health plan points to a new Texas trend, Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery, Texas House Speaker appoints committee for gun legislation, Santa Fe families still denied video, records from 2018 shooting. They answered questions from the . Mayor: HISD has two optionsclose school or be taken over, Rare photos show 2 ocelots crossing South Texas road, Eric Gordon trade looking better and better for Houston Rockets, Willie Nelson pays lovely tribute to another country legend, Hiker takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo at Brazos Bend State Park, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. Brioness lead over Cagle came in part by design. . another GOP candidate for county judge, called Hidalgo a "formidable campaigner," adding that progressives see her as a key component to flipping Texas blue. Hidalgo County residents and colonia residents in particular are on the frontlines of the biggest challenges facing the nation and the world. Democrats thought their 3-2 majority on the Court would make this an easy task and they . We pride ourselves on doing our best, being responsible with taxpayer . 2022 Candidate's Guide - Running for State, District or County Office; 2020 Candidate's Guide - Running for Federal, State, District or County offices. So, I think it's actually harmful to spend a lot of time talking about issues that aren't in your control," Mealer said. Incumbent Democrat Teneshia Hudspeth will face former County Clerk Stan Stanart in the November general election. Candidate for Harris County Judge Alexandra del Moral Mealer poses for a photo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. With varying results coming from the few public polls conducted on the race, there is little consensus on where things stand heading into the final weeks of the campaign. Hidalgo, meanwhile, raised about $2.4 million in . Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo is running for a second term as Harris County Judge. Sam Gonzlez Kelly is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. As November's general election neared, polling showed Hidalgo was in a tighter race with Mealer than expected, and a startling endorsement from the Houston Chronicle editorial board in favor of her opponent surprised many in Houston. That's because Harris County District Court Judge Dawn Rogers prompted by a lawsuit alleging that some people were denied election access because of poor planning that led to late opening times at some voting centers signed an order on Tuesday evening keeping all polling places open one hour later, until 8 p.m., only to have the Texas Supreme Court stay her order in the evening. Lina Hidalgo defeated incumbent Ed Emmett and Eric Gatlin in the general election for Harris County Judge on November 6, . According to election results from 2016 and 2020, Democrats hold a 12-point advantage in Precinct 4. A strong gender gap exists in the vote for county judge, with Hidalgo holding a 12% lead over del Moral Mealer among women (52% to 40%), while del Moral Mealer . pic.twitter.com/WBczbAdXiT, Mealer issued a statement conceding victory on Twitter earlier Wednesday morning, writing: "While we did not accomplish our goal of changing leadership in Harris County, we were successful in elevating the profile of critical issues like the need to appropriately resource our law enforcement and criminal justice system as well as the desire to eliminate corruption and increase transparency in local government. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. Recent polls reflected the two candidates were in a virtual dead heat, with Mealer up two points over Hidalgo. Q&A: Get to know Harris County judge candidates Mealer, Hidalgo "I want to thank Alex Mealer for running a hard-fought campaign," Hidalgo began. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo looks back at Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner before they gave a joint press conference about growing Monkeypox infections Monday, July 25, 2022, at Houston TranStar headquarters in Houston. Join ABC13's political reporter Tom Abrahams as he talks with Democrat County Judge Lina Hidalgo and her Republican opponent, Alexandra del Moral Mealer, about this November's general election. ", Thank you to all those who supported our campaign for good governance pic.twitter.com/ZnjLvtQVTO. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. As Hidalgo's woes multiplied in commissioners court, her political opponent continued to rack up high-dollar contributions from well-heeled conservative donors. She's facing challengers . Friday, November 4, 2022. Astros GM Dana Brown the antithesis of his predecessors, Texas wants to ban delta-8, but veterans are pushing back, UH, Texas A&M removing DEI statements from hiring practices, Houston is the most stressful city to work in, says new study, The Breakfast Klub sues prominent City Hall consultant for fraud, Lauren Daigle at Houston Rodeo: 'God always has your number', Galveston gets fourth Carnival Cruise Line. The redistricting also cost him familiarity with voters, essentially switching the areas covered by Precincts 3 and 4. ", Before closing out her speech, Hidalgo turned attention to any who don't believe she won her reelection fair and square. Attendees of Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer watch as the election results come in on the television during her watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. Moreover, Patrick confronted Hidalgo at the event and accused her of defunding the police despite increasing the law enforcement budget since 2019. A new study says yes. Her leadership has been recognized through several awards and national awards, especially for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic and received recognition for protecting voting rights. Lina Hidalgo Leads the Largest County in Texas, Tells Those Who Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? Q&A with Harris County judge candidate Alexandra Mealer. After briefly looking down and taking a pause, Hidalgo continued: "But y'all, didn't I say it would be a sweet victory?". "No one really knows what the county judge does. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Democrat Lina Hidalgo has won a second term for Harris County Judge in a close race for the top executive position in the county. Hidalgo County Elections Department administers the polling locations in the early voting period. ", 'POLITICS OF PERCEPTION': Hidalgo, Harris County Dems hope for boost from abortion, national trends, but races still competitive over crime, economy. In this one, Mealer is hoping to achieve the same feat, only with the parties swapped. Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. Offices up for Election in 2022 - Texas Hidalgo and other Democrats hoped that firewall would help them stave off challenges in a race where their contests appear in the latter pages of a drawn-out ballot. She's challenging Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo to become the chief executive over county government and head of the Commissioners Court. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. Those two forces are clashing, according to Nancy Sims, a political analyst and lecturer of political science at the University of Houston. Hidalgo-Mealer county judge race is a showdown over Harris County budget and its role in voters' eyes, Timeline: How battle between Houston ISD, TEA has reached the point of a looming takeover. Employees Only. She has evolved into a savvy, hard-nosed, driven candidate, and she has been incredibly successful in raising the funds necessary to compete with Lina Hidalgo. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Updated: Jun 18, 2021 / 01:46 PM CDT. Among those trailing are five criminal district court judges: Chuck Silverman, 183rd district court; Abigail Anastasio, 184th; Greg Glass, 208th; and Amy Martin, 263rd. In 2022, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo had the odds stacked against her in a challenging campaign year to keep her top position in the county. Lina Hidalgo could be Democrats' future in Texas. She has - POLITICO Edinburg, Texas 78539. I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. A sixth criminal judge, Jason Luong of the 185th district court, also trailed in his election but appeared headed for a runoff. 10:46 AM CDT October 23, 2022 . McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. We'll ask them about immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding, broadband internet, and more. A look back at Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's biggest moments of 2022. Participation among voters with Spanish surnames was down 18 percent. Oct 25, 2022 - News. She has defended the staffers, who are accused of steering a vaccine outreach contract to a politically connected vendor. November 8, 2022 General Election & Local Entities Elections. Texas Ethics Commission . Dylan McGuinness covers City Hall and local politics for the Houston Chronicle. With 205 of 259 precincts reporting in the Democratic primary, Ruben Ramirez was leading in the race for U.S. Representative . Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria said some paper ballots got wrinkled and jammed, but most votes would be counted on time. The spotlight also fueled speculation she could someday run for larger office, both of which made her a primary target for both local and statewide conservatives. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Eight district court judges and two county court-at-law judges trailed opponents in early returns for the Democratic primary elections, results that figure to introduce a significant amount of turnover on local benches.