Judges at the courthouse quickly encountered trouble in those unofficial returns. Please check back later for updates. Democratic Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, left, is facing a challenge from Republican Alexandra Moral del Mealer. Campaign finance reports also showed Mealer outraised Hidalgo with $10 million in the campaign chest. With 205 of 259 precincts reporting in the Democratic primary, Ruben Ramirez was leading in the race for U.S. Representative . During the March primaries, incumbent Lina Hidalgo took a huge lead as the Democratic nominee, but the race seems neck-and-neck against Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer . Harris County Commissioner Pct. Elections 2022 Election Guide: Harris County and Texas races to watch . Solis, who lives in Palmview, speculated that the lack of polling locations on the west side of Hidalgo County could have been designed to help a certain primary candidate. defeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo beat Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer by more than 18,000 votes. Alexandra del Moral Mealer and attorney Vidal Martinez were leading the nine-candidate Republican field for the GOPs nomination for county judge. She was previously a political reporter with the Texas Signal. Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer has conceded her bid to unseat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, with unofficial results show her trailing by . Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. said Judge Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official of Harris County, Texas, after news broke last week that 30 truckloads of contaminated firefighting water were arriving each day to Deer Park, a suburb of Houston. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a Democrat, and Pct. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? The court last year redrew both precincts to favor Democrats. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's political future is on the line for 2022. Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. . For the latest and best fromChron,sign up for our daily newsletter here. The trend began around the start of the pandemic in 2020, when murders surged by more than 40 percent in the county, including Houston and the other incorporated cities. 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. 2022 Updated: 5:24 PM CST November 9, 2022 . VIDEO: Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer debate Harris County budget, crime and policy. Early voting will begin Monday, October 24, 2022 and will run through. Ellie Torres (D) Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 5. So, I think it's actually harmful to spend a lot of time talking about issues that aren't in your control," Mealer said. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. piling up against Hidalgo as Election Day approached, campaign contributions thanks in large part to a number of generous GOP donors, three of her top aides were indicted by a grand jury. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? Minerva Diaz (R) Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022. "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. She has said the GOP plan would create hundreds of new positions that may never be filled, while preventing raises for the current police officers and cutting critical funding for flood control, public health, and other areas.. Hidalgo argued Republicans are forcing the county to scale back other essential services, and as she commented on the impacts to various departments, Mealer supporters rolled their eyes, laser-focused on their candidates goal of hiring more patrol officers. Hidalgo ( Democratic Party) ran for re-election for Harris County Judge in Texas. 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. Another candidate for county judge is McAllen City Commissioner Tania Ramirez. Three of her staffers have been indicted by District Attorney Kim Ogg over a controversial COVID-19 outreach contract, an investigation that Hidalgo has decried as a witch-hunt. Former Army Capt. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a Democrat, held a wider lead: 105,653 votes (52.56 percent) to Republican Jack Morman's 95,363 (47.44 percent), according to the unofficial vote count. And the pandemic is deepened inequality and exacerbated existing divisions. Q&A with Harris County judge candidate Alexandra Mealer. Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo . Both candidates have highlighted their ethnicityin their campaigns: Hidalgo was born in Colombia and immigrated with her family to the U.S. in 2005, while Mealer's paternal grandfather immigrated from Spain. Against the newcomer, Hidalgo's campaign appeared unworried about Mealer's prospects and trusted voters would secure her position again. Staff writers Samantha Ketterer, Yilun Cheng and Elizabeth Trovall contributed to this report. Democrats appear headed for victory in the unofficial results of two commissioner contests as well, showings that could expand their majority on Commissioners Court to a 4-1 split. Campaign Finance Reports. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, This is what Houston looks like from space. "Elections should not be about pitting one group against each other. McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. challenging Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election, 1,000 additional law enforcement officers. Brandon Waltens | October 4, 2022. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives to a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Dozens of supporters for Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate challenging Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, packed the room at the Sept. 13 meeting of Commissioners Court, each wearing "Alex's Army" T-shirts and loudly scoffing when Hidalgo spoke. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, right, speaks about the expansion of the county's Jail-Based Competency Restoration program at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD on Feb. 9, 2023 . The impending takeover of HISD by the TEA dates back to 2019, when Wheatley High School triggered a state law by failing to meet accountability standards for seven consecutive years. This is a carousel. Following a challenging Election Night in Harris County plagued by delays and closings of multiple polling locations, voting tallies showed Hidalgo holding onto an unofficial lead of less than two points over Mealer, a West Point graduate and ex-Army captain. Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. The national environment a key factor in the outcome of the county judge race, political experts say now appears to be shifting back in favor of Republicans. He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders . It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Judge. IN THIS EPISODE: Alexandra Del Moral Mealer, the GOP Candidate running for Harris County Judge, talks about what led to her jump on the campaign trail with a goal to unseat incumbent candidate . she shouted to roaring applause. The vote totals confirmed just how hotly contested the local races were. (Jon Shapley, Staff photographer), Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. Harris County commissioner candidate Lesley Briones introduces gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke during a rally outside of the West Gray Recreational Area on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. Running for Local Offices; Notable Links . Hidalgo has been forced to play defense on the issue, with Mealer and other Republicans pointing to a rise in homicides and overall violent crime in Harris County. 2023 Commissioner's Court Meetings Calendar. One of the first priorities for newly elected County Judge Lina Hidalgo was to push through an historic 8% property tax increase - the maximum property tax increase allowed. Despite the odds seemingly piling up against Hidalgo as Election Day approached, the 31-year-old Democrat still managed to come out on top. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at an primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. You can't just look the other way on so many issues.". 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. Ed Emmett (Republican Party) was the Harris County Judge in Texas. Lawyers for the aides have maintained their innocence. Editor's Note: Calling all Rio Grande Valley candidates. Previously, she was a community news and breaking news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. The elections took place amid a series of hurdles at the ballot box, culminating Tuesday night with Harris County election officials asking the state for an extension on the 24-hour deadline, required by state law, to count all the votes. In this one, Mealer is hoping to achieve the same feat, only with the parties swapped. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo greets people in line outside West Grey Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray St., on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Houston. In the four years since her upset victory thrust her into office as a 27-year-old newcomer, Hidalgo has reimagined the boundaries of county government, reaching beyond its traditional focus on public safety and flood control to also address such issues as childhood development, immigration and environmental control. And the total number of votes will far surpass the total in 2014, the last time Republicans won countywide seats. Procedures for Candidates, 2019-2021. We earned them with hard work and with results over the past four years.". "The community has a position on these issues, and they want to know their leader's position. If you are running in the March 2022 primaries, we want to hear from you. I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. 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 . Cagle was unopposed on the Republican side. Judge Lina Hidalgo moved the COVID - 19 Threat to Level Orange at Houston Transtar Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Houston. Meanwhile, across town at the Kirby Ice House, Mealer said the close margins show voters are paying attention. "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." What does the data say? It doesn't need to be that way. While Commissioners Court and the county judge have little practical authority over abortion policy, Hidalgo has argued the court plays a role through its oversight of the county hospital system, which provides reproductive care to residents. Austin, TX, October 4, 2022 A new poll out Tuesday shows voters prefer Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer to incumbent Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo 48 to 44 percent, with 8 percent undecided.. On behalf of the conservative Defend Texas Liberty Political Action Committee (PAC), CWS Research conducted the survey of 900 likely voters in Harris County between September 24 and October 1. Join us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live tonight, Friday, February 4th at 5 pm. Many pundits have said these races are too close to call, and early vote returns reflect that these races are tight, Sims said. Politics A new poll shows the Harris County Judge's race is neck-and-neck. Monday, February 14, 2022. Onward! Harris County judge candidates . Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. A new study says yes. Its rattlesnake season in Texas. Lina Hidalgo, a rising Democratic star, faces a tough reelection race to lead Harris County. Hidalgo has refused campaign contributions from county contractors since the start of her term, aiming to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Members of Commissioners Court historically have relied heavily on firms that do business with the county to stockpile huge campaign war chests. Dylan McGuinness covers City Hall and local politics for the Houston Chronicle. 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. Across race and background, we are uniting to demand those who govern in our name to provide the things all working people need: Education that teaches us about our past while preparing us for the future. A poll from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, released Monday on the first day of early voting, found 47% of likely Harris County voters say they will support Mealer, a political newcomer running for Harris County judge. Her opponent, incumbent county Judge Lina Hidalgo, told ABC13 at the time the numbers were looking better and that Harris County is not alone in battling crime. The 31-year-old stood in front of supporters applauding and chanting her name at the office of the Harris Democratic Party. Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? Turnout overall was down 10 percent, but de Leon noted it still marked the second-highest turnout for a midterm election here. She enjoys binge-watching anime and films makeup tutorials in her spare time. Please type your name EXACTLY as it appears on your VOTER REGISTRATION RECORD. Hidalgo cited the two Republicans blockade of a new tax rate as justification, saying they endangered vital county services. Surrounded by fellow Democrats, Lina Hidalgo delivered victory remarks and passing jabs at her detractors during a Wednesday afternoon speech following herdefeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. A native of San Francisco, he graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 with degrees in journalism and political science, and has interned for the Tampa Bay Times, Washington Post and Fortune magazine. "Right now the county judge race is in a . During a hotly contested primary, she won endorsements from key members of the Harris County Republican establishment, including Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap, former commissioner Steve Radackand popular furniture magnate Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale. For several election cycles, Houston-area voters have favored Democrats over Republicans. 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. Those two forces are clashing, according to Nancy Sims, a political analyst and lecturer of political science at the University of Houston. In her first term in office, Hidalgo has expanded the traditional responsibilities of county government beyond infrastructure, law enforcement and flood control, imagining a broader, more holistic role for the county that includes such things as child care, housing stability and reform-minded criminal justice. Cortez, Tania Ramirez, and Norma Ramirez are running in the Democratic Party primary. Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. TEXAS VOTER GUIDE: The key state and local races that your vote will decide in the November 8 midterm election. Republicans and prominent business leaders in Harris County made unseating Hidalgo a priority. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 2. ", Before closing out her speech, Hidalgo turned attention to any who don't believe she won her reelection fair and square. "Truth won over lies." Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County DeputiesOrganization in Houston. HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. Hidalgo County Clerk. The impending takeover of HISD by the TEA dates back to 2019, when Wheatley High School triggered a state law by failing to meet accountability standards for seven consecutive years. During her campaign, Hidalgo said she was also subjected to smears, attacks, and the "dirtiest political tricks" from statewide leaders like Gov. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. "They do that to get you talking about everything but Harris County. 10:46 AM CDT October 23, 2022 . A first-time political candidate, Mealer ran a tough on crime campaign against the Democratic incumbent, criticizing Hidalgo for the countys crime rate and stumping on issues of public safety. On Twitter Wednesday morning, Hidalgo celebrated her win, tweeting: "Yesterday, the people of Harris County chose optimism over fear & people over politics. I am committed to working hard every day . She enjoys traveling and reading romance novels. Texas 2022 Elections Texas' 2022 races coming into focus as candidate filings close. Hidalgo's victory helped secure a 4-1 Democratic majority on the court that was sealed after former civil court judge Lesley Briones beat incumbent Republican commissioner Jack Cagle for the Precinct 4 seat. Democrats thought their 3-2 majority on the Court would make this an easy task and they . This 10 percentage point lead by . 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. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. Hidalgo's ethics argument also been blunted by the felony indictment of three current and former aides on charges of misuse of official information and tampering. 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. MLB legend makes surprise appearance at Astros' Spring Training, Houston is ugly, and I've never felt more at home, Texas A&M upset win clears path for UH to snag top overall seed, Oops! Dan Patrick, and Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar, particularly with accusations that she was "defunding" the police. We'll ask them about immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding, broadband internet, and more. Candidates Richard Cortez (incumbent), Norma Ramirez, and Tania Ramirez will each have 30 minutes to discuss their stance on the biggest challenges facing colonia residents and RGV residents. "She does seem to evoke strong emotions in either party. Texas 2022 elections: Who won, who lost Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won reelection after a close race against well-funded opponent Alexandra del Moral Mealer. Since July, Republican donors have poured nearly $9 million into Mealer's bid to unseat Hidalgo a staggering haul for a county judge race. Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Friday, February 18, 2022. 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. The redistricting also cost him familiarity with voters, essentially switching the areas covered by Precincts 3 and 4. Mealer, a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, says she wants the county to go back to the basics and has said she will hire 1,000 additional law enforcement officers if elected and Republicans win a majority on Commissioners Court. According to election results from 2016 and 2020, Democrats hold a 12-point advantage in Precinct 4. Code 7.104] 2 All State Senate seats are up for election in 2022 following redistricting in 2021. The Democratic majority tried to draw Cagle, a Republican who has represented Precinct 4 since 2011, out of office when it passed new precinct maps last year. Jaime E. Galvan 11/8/2022. That fundraising ability allowed Mealer to distribute TV ads hammering home her message that crime is out of control and Hidalgo is to blame. Hidalgo took in $1.5 million during the same period, less than a third of Mealers sum, and she was outspent by more than $2 million. Early voting in the March primary begins on Valentine's Day. The result could be a 4-1 Democratic powerhouse, the same 3-2 divide or a shift back to a Republican-controlled court. Elections Lina Hidalgo reelected as Harris County judge . Mealer said. Incumbent Democrat Teneshia Hudspeth will face former County Clerk Stan Stanart in the November general election. 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. 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 . Despite seeing a barrage of criticisms . Candidate Information Texas Secretary of State. Those showed potentially ominous trends for strongholds in the traditional Democratic coalition. He said they were watching growing caseloads in other major American cities. FOX 26 Houston. Lina Hidalgo reelected as Harris County judge. November 8, 2022 (General) Hidalgo. Updated: Jun 18, 2021 / 01:46 PM CDT. 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. Her biggest donor was Richard Weekley, a Houston-based developer and megadonor who contributed $400,000 to Mealers campaign. Marie D. De Jess/Staff photographer . 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. But the ad could have said "Mealer refuses to oppose Abbott's extreme abortion ban," or even "Texas Republicans support Abbott's extreme abortion ban. Five lower-ballot Republicans had narrow advantages for criminal or civil court benches, though Democrats were leading in most contests. Oct 25, 2022 - News. First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail. . Daniel Marichalar (D) Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney. Our goal is to provide voters with impeccable, transparent and timely service for a wide variety of county, city, school, state and federal constitutional elections. 1 of 11 Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at a primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Former Army captain Alexandra Del Moral Mealer won her primary in May, securing her as the Republican candidate for Harris County judge against Hidalgo in November. Vendor Portal . "But we earned every vote and not with exaggerations or falsehoods. Hidalgo has scoffed at Mealers police hiring pledge, pointing to the countys more than 400 unfilled law enforcement positions. The pressure grew even greater in September after Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle successfully delayed the county tax rate vote after skipping several meetings. Attendees reacts as they watch televised election returns from the bar at the Election Night Watch Party hosted by the Harris Co. Democratic Party held at Chapman and Kirby Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston, TX.