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Rumors are circulating that Houston City Councilwoman Letitia Plummer might be planning a bid for Harris County Judge. This would make her the second Democrat to consider challenging incumbent two-term Democrat Lina Hidalgo, after former Mayor Annise Parker announced her candidacy in June 2025.
This could be another sign of how much Hidalgo has alienated not only voters but also members of her own party during her two terms as county judge. She has publicly clashed with other members of Commissioners Court and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
Harris County GOP Chair Cindy Siegel pointed to Hidalgo’s behavior as a primary reason for this, saying, "Just watch how she’s run meetings. She’s been rude and offensive, rather than respectful of the position."
She added that one reason the field is becoming crowded is that Hidalgo has sent mixed signals about whether she will run for re-election. According to Siegel, "Traditionally, when an incumbent announces early, it typically keeps the field clear."
However, because Hidalgo has already alienated many in both the Harris County community and her own party, her announcement might not deter challengers. Siegel says Hidalgo’s potential candidacy may be viewed by fellow Democrats as an opportunity to unseat an unpopular incumbent.