Native Houston resident Letitia Plummer announced her candidacy for the Harris County judge position July 8, effectively resigning her position as Houston City Council’s At-Large-4 council member.

Plummer served on Houston City Council for the past five years and said she will be advocating for safer, stronger communities, while fighting for working families and protecting public health, according to a July news release.

“These are uncertain and turbulent times, calling on a new kind of leadership that is tough and fair,” Plummer said. “Harris County policy should be decided here, by our people, and not politicians in Austin or Washington. Too much is at stake.”

How we got here

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was the first woman to be elected county judge in 2019. She won her re-election bid and defeated Republican candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer during the Nov. 8, 2022, general election. Her current term will end Dec. 31, 2026.

What else?

Other candidates running for a seat as Harris County judge include former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who formally announced her campaign in June, nine years since her last time in office.

“I’m running for Harris County judge to keep our county safe, affordable and thriving," Parker said on her campaign website. "Now more than ever, we need strong, proven leadership to guide our county through tough times."

Candidates from both political parties will be looking to win nominations during the March 3, 2026, primary elections.