Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo faced a historic 3-1 censure vote from the commissioners court after her proposed property tax increase was rejected. The vote followed accusations of disruptive behavior, prompting Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey to call for her removal.
This is the first time a Harris County judge, the chief executive of the county, has been censured. Commissioner Rodney Ellis (D) was the sole vote against the measure.
The turmoil erupted when Hidalgo, a Democrat, pushed for a “penny tax” hike to prevent cuts to programs previously funded with COVID-era federal relief funds that are running out.
She invited children to speak in support, but critics, including Democrat Commissioner Adrian Garcia, accused her of using them as “props” and disrupting decorum.
The proposal failed, missing a key deadline, and Hidalgo criticized her Democrat colleagues for their “contractor-funded war chests” before leaving the meeting and returning after lunch.
Garcia later apologized to the public regarding the outburst during her first absence of the day.
Before the censure vote, Hidalgo left the meeting a second time to attend a scheduled group therapy session for her mental health treatment, a recurring commitment that conflicts with court meetings.
Ramsey moved to censure Hidalgo for “failure to conduct herself in proper respect and decorum,” citing outbursts, including a profane incident on June 26, and frequent absences.
Garcia and Commissioner Lesley Briones (D) joined Ramsey, with only Ellis dissenting. Garcia posted on X, calling Hidalgo’s actions “disruptive and offensive.”
Ramsey told Texas Scorecard, “It is time to consider replacing Judge Hidalgo in office.”
He listed reasons such as “unpredictable absences,” “numerous outbursts with colleagues, county officials, law enforcement, and others in the presence of the public, including children,” “unrestrained profanity,” “inability to effectively conduct Commissioners Court meetings,” and “poor management resulting in criminal investigations.”
“As the head of emergency management for Harris County, her actions have become increasingly unpredictable. In a crisis, what will be her reaction? She has lost a majority of the public trust,” Ramsey warned.
Ramsey noted the court’s efficiency during her absences, adding, “To do nothing would be irresponsible and, in my opinion, a dereliction of my duty as a commissioner.”
Removing an elected official in Texas requires evidence of misconduct through impeachment or recall, a complex process.
As budget talks continue in the nation’s third-largest county, this censure and removal effort signals a contentious election cycle ahead.
Hidalgo and Briones have not responded to requests for comment.
Garcia’s office stated it had nothing further to add.
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