Harris County Judge Hidalgo Censured by Commissioners Over Meeting Conduct

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was formally censured by the Commissioners Court in a 3-1 vote after a contentious meeting over her proposed tax increase to fund early childhood education programs. The censure, which carries no direct penalty, followed heated exchanges where Hidalgo repeatedly interrupted commissioners, encouraged children attending the meeting to advocate for her proposal, and was accused by colleagues of violating court decorum. Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia, both Democrats, joined Republican Tom Ramsey in supporting the censure, citing concerns over Hidalgo's disruptive behavior and her use of children as props. Commissioner Rodney Ellis was the sole dissenting vote. The proposed tax increase, which would have funded programs previously supported by federal COVID-19 relief, failed to advance after missing a key deadline. This marks the first formal admonishment of Hidalgo and highlights growing divisions within the court, with her relationship with fellow commissioners becoming increasingly strained.