The office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced she is taking a leave of absence to seek inpatient treatment for clinical depression.
Hidalgo's office - on Twitter/X - says she had been attempting to deal with the issue, which was undiagnosed, until last month. She is - as of now - expected to resume her regular schedule by early September.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released a statement this afternoon, saying that, "As difficult as this may be, Judge Lina Hidalgo is not alone in facing this challenge. A 2023 report showed that over 30% of adults meet the criteria for having depression and/or anxiety. Thankfully, she is in the care of doctors who recognize that this is treatable and is committed to getting better."
This is the second time this year that Hidalgo has taken a leave of absence. She did so in September to deal with a family illness, specifically her sick grandfather in Colombia.
Three of her top staffers were indicted last year in CVOVID contract bid rigging scheme. There has been speculation that Hidalgo herself would be indicted, and she has taken shots at Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg for the last year.
Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis will preside over Commissioners Court this morning at 10am.