HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she will not seek reelection, as Harris County prepares for sweeping fiscal adjustments to close a $200 million-plus deficit in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Since her election in 2019, Judge Hidalgo has overseen initiatives focused on reducing homelessness, expanding early childhood education, improving public safety, and enhancing government transparency. She confirmed she intends to continue that work through the remainder of her term.
The announcement comes amid a period of financial strain for the county. At the September 9, 2025, meeting of Commissioners Court, the court voted to move forward with a budget proposal that would implement broad departmental reductions to eliminate the deficit.
According to Judge Hidalgo, the financial gap is largely due to a $100 million law enforcement raise passed in May 2025 without corresponding funding.
“There’s a saying that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Judge Hidalgo said. “Some Commissioners want to say they have balanced the budget, eliminated our $200M+ deficit and passed raises for law enforcement – all without raising taxes or reducing services. That gives residents a false sense of security. Balancing the budget is not an achievement. It is a statutory requirement.”
While reaffirming her support for raises in law enforcement pay, Hidalgo emphasized that such financial decisions should involve voters when other services are on the line.
The proposed FY2026 budget cuts will be considered at the September 24, 2025, Commissioners Court meeting.
