The 2026 midterms are already starting to heat up, especially in Harris County, where as many as five candidates have already announced their plans to run for Harris County Judge. Three of those five are Republicans.
On the Democratic side, a contested primary is being set up between former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and incumbent two-term County Judge Lina Hidalgo. One of them will have to face off against the eventual Republican candidate, who will be either Piney Point Mayor Alisa Dutt, businessman Warren Howell, or former Sheriff's Deputy Oscar Gonzales.
The biggest question now is whether any of those three Republicans will be able to defeat a well-known Democratic candidate in a blue county like Harris. Political consultant Vlad Davidiuk thinks it will be tough. He said, "Demographics have shifted, and the concentration of Democratic voters in Harris County makes it a very steep hill to climb."
He went on to say he thinks that right now, Mayor Alisa Dutt has the best shot. He said, "She has the highest name recognition of the three; she's currently serving as a mayor, and she has a proven track record of working with law enforcement."
Davidiuk says that no matter who the Republican nominee ends up being, victory will come down to how effectively the Republican candidate gets the turnout and gets voters to actually engage with their communities. He says if those factors fall into place, we could end up seeing a tight race next November.