New lawsuit alleges a Harris Co. Commissioner illegally held two offices

There has been plenty of drama on the Harris County Commissioner's Court in the last couple years, but there is new fuel added to that fire once again. A new lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a local resident that alleges Commissioner Adrian Garcia illegally held two public offices at the same time.

That stems from Garcia's appointment to the Gulf Coast Protection District Board (GCPD), which was done by the Commissioner's Court. That board is also an entity with taxing authority, which would put Garcia in conflict with the law. In any case similar case, that would require vacating one of either seat. Instead, this has gone on for over a year with no legal challenge. That is, until now.

RNC Committeeman, and Galveston County Commissioner Dr. Robin Armstrong says this falls squarely on the shoulders of the court.

"It is amazing he has been in this for so long or they would appoint him to that position...because they should know the law," he says. "That is the egregious thing here...they did not realize that, and still have not realized that."

The board for the GCPD was founded in 2021, on which Garcia has been present the entire time. He has been appointed to it twice, in fact. All of this in contradiction with Texas state law that prohibits officeholders from simultaneously occupying two offices with 'conflicting loyalties.'

Yet, here Garcia has sat, still making important decisions on the Commissioner's Court, and still cashing checks. But this is just what we have come to expect from the Democrats.

"They believe in these positions, they have unlimited power...and can do what they want...I think it is a bit of arrogance on Lina Hidalgo's part, and on the court's part," he says.

The lawsuit is also asking to halt any payment of Garcia's $180,000 annual salary.

Ultimately, this should end with Garcia having to make some tough choices.

"It will probably wind through the court system...but certainly he needs to give up one of those seats immediately," he says.

Armstrong adds that this falls on Hidalgo's inexperience as a County Judge, but veterans like Rodney Ellis should have known better.

The Commissioner's next meet on July 15th. Garcia has yet to comment on the suit.