2026 Harris County Judge election

2026 Harris County Judge election

← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Party Democratic Republican

Incumbent County judge Lina Hidalgo Democratic

The 2026 Harris County Judge election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the county judge of Harris County, Texas. Primary elections will be held on March 3. Incumbent Democratic judge Lina Hidalgo is not running for re-election. ^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston (2010–2016) ^[2]
• Letitia Plummer, member of the Houston City Council for the at-large district (2020–present) ^[3]

Declined

• Lina Hidalgo, incumbent judge ^[4]
• Erica Lee Carter, former congressmember from Texas's 18th district (2024–2025) ^[5]

Endorsements

Annise Parker

Labor unions

• UNITE HERE Local 23 ^[6]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Annise Parker	Letitia Plummer	Erica Lee Carter	Undecided
Lake Research Partners (D) [7]	July 31–August 7, 2025	500 (LV)	± 4.4%	53%	15%	9%	20%

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Aliza Dutt, mayor of Piney Point Village (2024–present) ^[8]
• Oscar Gonzales, former sheriff's deputy ^[9]
• Warren Howell, insurance businessman ^[10]
• Marty Lancton, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association president ^[11]
• Orlando Sanchez, former county treasurer (2007–2018) ^[12]

Endorsements

Marty Lancton

Statewide officials

• Dawn Buckingham, land commissioner of Texas (2023–present) ^[13]

Individuals

• Jim McIngvale, businessman ^[13]

Notes

1. Key:
   A – all adults
   RV – registered voters
   LV – likely voters
   V – unclear

References

1. Lomax V, John (September 15, 2025). "Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she will not seek reelection to her position in 2026". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
2. Kumar, Atirikta (June 11, 2025). "Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo's seat atop Harris County government". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
3. Grunau, Sarah (July 8, 2025). "Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer announces run for Harris County Judge". Houston Public Media. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
4. Serrano, Alejandro (September 16, 2025). "Lina Hidalgo, Harris County chief executive, won't seek reelection". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
5. Soebroto, Ashley (September 18, 2025). "Former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter withdraws bid for Harris County judge". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
6. "Local 23 is proud to announce our endorsement of Annise Parker for Harris County Judge". Facebook. UNITE HERE Local 23. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
7. "Polling (July to August)" (PDF). Lake Research Partners. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
8. Lomax V, John (May 21, 2025). "Piney Point Village mayor announces intent to run for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's seat". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
9. Garza, Julissa (September 16, 2025). "Harris County politics heating up with Hidalgo's decision and more on the ballot". KHOU. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
10. Taylor, Brittany (July 10, 2025). "LIST: Who is running for Harris County Judge in 2026?". KPRC. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
11. Grunau, Sarah (August 20, 2025). "Firefighters union leader Marty Lancton running for Harris County Judge, backed by notable GOP figures". Houston Public Media. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
12. Adkison, Michael (September 23, 2025). "Republican Orlando Sanchez, former county treasurer and city council member, running for Harris County judge". Houston Public Media. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
13. Grunau, Sarah (August 20, 2025). "Firefighters union leader Marty Lancton running for Harris County Judge, backed by notable GOP figures". Houston Public Media. Retrieved October 16, 2025.