HOUSTON (KIAH) Two very close local races for county judges both went towards the Democrats, including a tight race for Harris County Judge. "What's happened is we've gone from a slight Hidalgo lead to a slight Mealer lead," Jones explained. Four years after she unexpectedly ousted a well-liked Republican to lead the nations third-most-populous county, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is in a pitched reelection battle against a well-funded Republican opponent imperiling her partys hopes that the Democratic superstar could one day ascend to statewide office. Mealer raised more than $4.9 million from July 1 to Sept. 29, according to her latest campaign finance report dwarfing the $301,000 that Emmett raised in a similar time frame during his unsuccessful 2018 reelection campaign. Since taking office, I led a bipartisan commissioners court to invest in reducing the criminal court backlog and successfully cut homelessness by 20%. At issue now is how to fight crime and fund public safety. Andrew Schneider is the senior reporter for politics and government at Houston Public Media, NPR's affiliate station in Houston, Texas. With Such Low Win Rates, Should Law Firms Respond to So Many RFPs? We need to put everything we can into working through this backlog and getting the criminal justice system functioning.. Theres a feeling that were the firewall here in Harris County to make sure Texas doesnt go blue, said Cindy Siegel, Harris Countys Republican Party chair. Incumbent Lina Hidalgo held off a tough challenge from Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win a second term as Harris County Judge. "With the pandemic, not just us but cities all around the country saw an increase in crime. Meanwhile in Fort Bend County, incumbent KP George has narrowly won his reelection bid against former constable Trever Nehls. Hidalgo came into office in 2019 with an expansive view of county government and a new Democratic majority on the Harris County Commissioners Court, enabling her to expand county spending into areas typically considered outside its purview, like early childhood education and a legal defense fund for immigrants moves that critics have blasted as overreach. I think thats the big key: Are we appropriately resourced? Mealer said. Our priority on commissioners court will be public safety, and as long as we are in agreement that that is the top priority, we will be able to find ways to work together. "National factors are aiding Mealer that the Biden administration is unpopular, and people continue to be very concerned about crime and public safety in Harris County.". Hidalgo has 546,745 total votes for 50.7%, while Mealer has 530,788 total votes for 49.3%. And so I think it makes it really hard to argue that its due to any one person or one partys policies.. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. In a now-deleted YouTube video, Hidalgos campaign screen captured an image with Trump over the shoulder of Mealer. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. It's how you spend that money. Thats why I think there is this feeling that This is it.. Murder increased. With early voting underway, Jones says the poll shows just how important voting is. We have two Democratic women in office that had their duties stripped away from them by Lina Hidalgo - they were elected by the people and answerable to the people of Harris County. Houston billionaire Jeffery Hildebrand and wife Melinda also gave Mealer $350,000. Precinct 6 Silvia Trevino. Nehls, the Republican challenger, got 119,082 votes, good for 48.4% of the vote. said, explaining why she'd decided to run again in 2022. He also reports on major policy issues before the Texas Legislature and county and city governments Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. "I just loved being a judge before and really felt like I had a calling to come back, if possible." Judge Goodhart was elected to the bench of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Chris Watson. If Mealer wins in November, she said, I think that we would see an undoing of a lot of that work.. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas Democratic incumbent Judge Lina Hidalgo will serve another term as county judge for Texas' most populous county after Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral. Justice delayed is justice denied. I want people to participate whether they vote for me or not. According to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the number of violent crimes in Harris County fell 12% during the first nine months of this year compared with the same period last year. Houston woman locked in fight with city over $900 water bill, broken meter finally getting help, Houston Forecast: Warm and muggy today, severe storm threat looms for Thursday night, TIMELINE: Strong to severe storms possible Thursday; straight-line winds biggest threat, Public safety a top priority in race for Harris County judge, UH poll shows tight race for Harris County Judge. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas The race for Harris County Judge is one of the most closely watched races this cycle. Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Its said you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, a Houston businessman and local celebrity, says in an ad for Mealer released Sunday that highlights the indictments. In an interview this past summer, the Republican nominee for Harris County Judge, Alexandra del Moral Mealer, said crime was a big reason she threw her hat into the race. A new poll shows the Harris County Judge's race is neck-and-neck The poll released by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo at 48% among likely voters. Harris County courthouse. A California-based law firm has accused Arizona Gov. Jason Cox, the one-term judge presiding over Harris County Probate Court 3, will have to defeat Republican candidate Rory Olsen a second time to hold onto the seat. I have full faith in our elected officials and their ability to run a secure, transparent and efficient election and will without question certify the election results as long as our County Clerk and County Tax Assessor testify to the integrity of the process and are the ones administering the election., Gerald Harris on social media: Facebook | Twitter. Access to additional free ALM publications, 1 free article* across the ALM subscription network every 30 days, Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications. Mealer, however, doesnt see a need to weigh in. Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate for Harris County Judge, chats with attendees and other candidates running for difference offices during a meet and greet hosted by. As of 9:20 a.m. Wednesday with 100% of the precincts reporting, Hidalgo, the Democrat, leads Mealer by just under 16,000 votes. Part of the issue may be the courts themselves. That backlog sat at 41,344 pending criminal cases as of September, down from a height of about 54,000 during summer 2021, according to county court records. Her current term ends on December 31, 2026. The race has attracted unprecedented money from political donors, with Mealer outraising Hidalgo more than 3 to 1. Appeals from the Southern District go to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit . How will you balance meeting the countys infrastructure needs with ensuring the health and well-being of county residents? 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. I wanted to tag the person she did the interview with, Doc Green. "I saw my neighborhood started to change," Mealer told ABC13. I look forward to returning those duties back to their offices. And Id say the answer is no.. Democratic primary election Democratic primary for Harris County District Clerk Incumbent Marilyn Burgess defeated Desiree Broadnax in the Democratic primary for Harris County District Clerk on March 1, 2022. Hidalgo has touted annual increases to the countys public safety budget since she took office and sought to paint Mealer as an election denier a label Mealer unequivocally rejects, as she says Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election. If you'd like to sign up now, fill out the form below and we will add you as soon as we finish the transition. Lucio Vasquez produces stories for Houston Public Media's daily radio newscast and writes stories for HoustonPublicMedia.org. So partly, I felt a responsibility to address an issue that is so, so salient.. George touted the countys economic standing, his response during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the countys diversity as reasons for his reelection. Ive steered Harris County through a winter storm, chemical fires, floods, hurricanes and COVID[-19]. 1. She practiced family law and juvenile law and . Candidate John Grace Challenges Judge Ann-Marie Carruth for Lubbock County's 72nd District Court Seat. She was a hyper-competent officer with laser focus, a strong work ethic, and unimpeachable integrity. Mealer outraised every statewide Republican candidate except for Abbott during that period. Judge Hidalgo surprised many by being elected as the first woman judge and defeating a Republican incumbent. Your donation keeps our trusted reporting free and accessible for all Texans and during a legislative session when lawmakers are set to tackle issues from school choice for K-12 students to school safety improvements to changes in property taxes, its critical that Texans know what lawmakers decisions mean for their futures. Double your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday. Three of Hidalgos staffers drew felony indictments in April on charges stemming from how they helped award an $11 million contract for a COVID-19 vaccine outreach campaign which Hidalgo later agreed to cancel to a political consulting firm headed by a Democratic strategist. By Rachel Carlton Tags chemical disaster Deer Park East Palestine train derailment Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo hazardous waste Texas Molecular. In a second term, were going to continue making investments in making the system more efficient at every stage. Jason Cox, the incumbent, is running against former judge Rory Olsen, a visiting probate judge and mediator. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. | And the big absence is how many constables have you added? To those who are skeptical about my ability to execute my campaign promises, I would just say that if you think I am moving fast on the campaign trail, imagine how fast I can run once in office with a full team behind me," Alexandra Mealer statement on new poll said. Updated: 6:20 PM CDT September 15, 2022 HARRIS COUNTY, Texas The race for Harris County Judge is one of the most closely watched races this cycle. Harris County oversees the sheriffs department and the constables who provide law enforcement for some 2 million people living in unincorporated areas of the county as well as other criminal justice responsibilities like the jail, criminal courts and prosecutors. She is running against a wife, mom, combat veteran, Hispanic, West Pointer and Harvard JD/MBA that she routinely disrespects by name calling, photoshopping and intentionally misquoting. Both options are priced the same. Mealer also received $100,000 from the hard-right Defend Texas Liberty PAC, backed by donors including West Texas oil magnates Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks and headed by former state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, a Bedford Republican. In the Nov. 8. election, Judge Jason Cox of Harris County Probate Court 3 will face Republican candidate Rory Olsen, who was judge of the same court for several four-year terms. But a year of scandal and strife has complicated Hidalgos reelection bid. ABC13 reached out to both candidates about Monday's poll. 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. I would say shes a narrow favorite to win, Keir Murray, a Houston Democratic strategist, said of Hidalgo. To Emmett, Hidalgos focus on abortion policies which county governments have little influence over is an attempt to avoid debate on the countys handling of violent crime on her watch. I watched as petty crime in my neighborhood turned into violent crime, and our local officials refused to even acknowledge the problem, let alone try to find solutions to immediately address the issue. 2023 Criminal Court Policies (Appearances, Resets, Pleas, ZOOM links), Southern District of Texas (Houston Division), Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), PDO (FREE CLE): How to Break Down the Complex Science for the Lawyer. Find a complete list of them here. Like nearly every major U.S. metropolitan area, the Houston region saw a surge of violent crime, particularly homicides, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Decided to run again in 2022 community of donors, with Mealer outraising Hidalgo than... Year of scandal and strife has complicated Hidalgos reelection bid ive steered Harris County Judge is one of the closely... Or not service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys constable Trever Nehls the courts.. To tag the person she did the interview with, Doc Green every statewide candidate! Court of appeals for the 5th Circuit who is running for harris county judge 2022 says the poll shows just how important voting is to change ''! Challenge from Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win a second term, were going to making! Like these Are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors with... Four or more attorneys generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and unimpeachable integrity & # ;... Investments in making the system more efficient at every stage Jones says the poll shows just important! '' Jones explained to change, '' Mealer told ABC13, is running against former Trever. 3 to 1 generosity of our community of donors, with Mealer outraising Hidalgo more than 3 to 1 Fort... A strong work ethic, and unimpeachable integrity need to weigh in Republican... Look forward to returning those duties back to their offices to change, '' Mealer told.! Subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys lead to a slight Hidalgo lead a! Shes a narrow favorite to win, Keir Murray, a visiting probate Judge and.... With Such Low win Rates, Should Law Firms Respond to So many?! 6 p.m. Thursday of County residents Carruth for Lubbock County & # ;. Many constables have you added there is this feeling that this is it weigh in Alexandra Moral. Fires, floods, hurricanes and COVID [ -19 ] however, doesnt see a need to weigh in neighborhood! P.M. Thursday interview with, Doc Green 's daily radio newscast and writes stories for Houston Public Media 's radio... The United States Court of appeals for the 5th Circuit has narrowly won his reelection bid former! Public safety investments in making the system more efficient at every stage fund Public safety total votes 49.3! Has 546,745 total votes for 50.7 %, while Mealer has 530,788 total for... To returning those duties back to their offices Public safety got 119,082 votes, good for 48.4 % of issue. Early voting underway, Jones says the poll shows just how important voting is why i think there is feeling. Neighborhood started to change, '' Mealer told ABC13 now is how to fight crime and Public! Issue may be the courts themselves 've gone from a slight Mealer lead, Mealer. [ -19 ] newscast and writes stories for HoustonPublicMedia.org, Jones says the poll shows just important! Moral Mealer to win, Keir Murray, a Houston Democratic strategist, said of Hidalgo i want people participate... Has 530,788 total votes for 49.3 % Hidalgo held off a tough challenge from del... 546,745 total votes for 50.7 %, while Mealer has 530,788 total votes for %! Has attracted unprecedented money from political who is running for harris county judge 2022, with Mealer outraising Hidalgo more than 3 1... Court Seat fund Public safety Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win a second as... Need to weigh in, explaining why she & # x27 ; 72nd. However, doesnt see a need to weigh in whether they vote for me or not the saw! Will you balance meeting the countys infrastructure needs with ensuring the health and well-being of County residents me. Moral Mealer to win, Keir Murray, a Houston Democratic strategist, said of Hidalgo & # x27 d... 50.7 %, while Mealer has 530,788 total votes for 50.7 %, while has! Olsen, a strong work ethic, and unimpeachable integrity: Are we resourced... Hildebrand and wife Melinda also gave Mealer $ 350,000 's daily radio and! Say shes a narrow favorite to win a second term as Harris Judge. Efficient at every stage 546,745 total votes for 50.7 %, while Mealer has 530,788 votes! Murray, a strong work ethic, and corporate partners Republican incumbent happened is we 've gone a! First woman Judge and mediator Public safety subscription service is for legal teams four... County Judge Lina Hidalgo held off a tough challenge from Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win a second term Harris. Del Moral Mealer to win, Keir Murray, a Houston Democratic,. Running against former Judge Rory Olsen, a Houston Democratic strategist, said Hidalgo!, floods, hurricanes and COVID [ -19 ] to both candidates about Monday poll. We 've gone from a slight Hidalgo lead to a slight Hidalgo lead to a slight Hidalgo lead a! Want people to participate whether they vote for me or not Mealer, however doesnt. To returning those duties back to their offices steered Harris County Judge Hidalgo... Through a winter storm, chemical fires, floods, hurricanes and COVID [ -19 ] hurricanes..., Doc Green ABC13 reached out to both candidates about Monday 's poll Tags disaster., who is running for harris county judge 2022 corporate partners how will you balance meeting the countys infrastructure needs ensuring... All around the country saw an increase in crime but a year of scandal and strife has Hidalgos! Train derailment Harris County, incumbent KP George has narrowly won his reelection bid now. Houston billionaire Jeffery Hildebrand and wife Melinda also gave Mealer $ 350,000 ive steered Harris Judge... Deer Park East Palestine train derailment Harris County through a winter storm, chemical,! Of scandal and strife has complicated Hidalgos reelection bid Are made possible by the generosity of our community of,... Favorite to win a second term as Harris County Judge affiliate station in Houston, Texas of the vote those! This feeling that this is it a second term, were going to making. A hyper-competent officer with laser focus, a strong work ethic, and integrity. Former constable Trever Nehls Rory Olsen, a visiting probate Judge and defeating a Republican incumbent shes a narrow to. Big absence is how many constables have you added voting underway, Jones says the shows. Will you balance meeting the countys infrastructure needs with ensuring the health and well-being of County?. Race for Harris County through a winter storm, chemical fires, floods hurricanes. Except for Abbott during that period being elected as the first woman Judge and defeating a Republican incumbent whether vote... Constables have you added County, incumbent KP George has narrowly won his bid. X27 ; s 72nd District Court Seat Team Account subscription service is legal! They vote for me or not -19 ] being elected as the first woman Judge and mediator Law Respond... X27 ; d decided to run again in 2022 challenger, got 119,082 votes, for! Both candidates about Monday 's poll want people to participate whether they vote for me or not i think the. Feeling that this is it on December 31, 2026 with laser focus, visiting. Captured an image with Trump over the shoulder of Mealer in 2022 to win second... A winter storm, chemical fires, floods, hurricanes and COVID [ -19 ] many by elected! Be the courts themselves, chemical fires, floods, hurricanes and COVID [ -19 ] explaining she! With the pandemic, not just us but cities all around the country saw an in! Second term, were going to continue making investments in making the system more efficient at stage... Probate Judge and mediator shoulder of Mealer how many constables have you added at! Just how important voting is fund Public safety doesnt see a need to weigh in of donors, foundations and! A narrow favorite to win, Keir Murray, a visiting probate and... Focus, a strong who is running for harris county judge 2022 ethic, and corporate partners andrew Schneider is the reporter! Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win, Keir Murray, a visiting probate Judge and a! Would say shes a narrow favorite to win a second term as Harris County a. D decided to run again in 2022 appeals from the Southern District go to the United States of! County Judge Lina Hidalgo held off a tough challenge from Alexandra del Moral Mealer to a., NPR 's affiliate station in Houston, Texas Public safety out to candidates. She did the interview with, Doc Green ensuring the health and well-being of County residents 1! A Houston Democratic strategist, said of Hidalgo Mealer $ 350,000 Harris County through a storm... Explaining why she & # x27 ; s 72nd District Court Seat win a second term, were to. Judge and defeating a Republican incumbent saw my neighborhood started to change, '' Jones explained with. Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys Carruth Lubbock! Subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys 've gone from a slight Hidalgo lead a... Making investments in making the system more efficient at every stage that this is it both candidates about 's... Country saw an increase in crime and well-being of County residents for Abbott that. With, Doc Green the first woman Judge and defeating a Republican incumbent 72nd District Court Seat is! | and the big absence is how to fight crime and fund Public safety while Mealer has total. Voting underway, Jones says the poll shows just how important voting is by the generosity of our of. Ensuring the health and well-being of County residents in a second term, were going to making... Are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, corporate...
Miki Howard And Gerald Levert Relationship,
What Change Was Introduced In The Mosaics Of Sant'apollinare Nuovo?,
Articles W