In her 2025 State of the County keynote address, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized the importance of funding early childhood education initiatives in the county, just shy of one month after her proposal to let voters decide on a 1-cent property tax increase failed to pass at an August commissioners court meeting.
“We have to be fearless in building what the community deserves,” Hidalgo said at the Sept. 5 event at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown Houston. “And I beg you that if we fight for early childhood education, I think the community would like that.”
The overview
The State of the County address is an annual event hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership. Keynote speakers discuss economic initiatives and opportunities for constituents and business leaders in the Greater Houston area.
GHP President Steve Kean asked Hidalgo directly about her reelection status. Hidalgo said that while she was not going to break news about her reelection at the event, she will be making an announcement “very, very soon.”
Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
In the year leading up to the 2026 general election, several candidates publicly announced their campaigns for the county judge seat, including:
- Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker
- Houston Firefighters Union President Marty Lancton
- Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer
- Spring Branch resident Warren Howell
A closer look
Hidalgo also addressed several other county initiatives, including public safety, flood control, workforce job training and apprenticeships, as well as the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 budget vote Sept. 18.
Harris County commissioners and department leaders are considering implementing a yearlong hiring freeze to save at least $25 million in costs to address a projected $200 million-plus shortfall in FY 2025-26. County commissioners and officials are weighing potential service cuts to fund at least $100 million in law enforcement pay parity measures.
“Of course, the most important part of our county being strong is our county being safe, and we know our county is strong when our public safety is strong,” Hidalgo said. “Earlier this year, [Precinct 1] Commissioner Ellis and I proposed that we go to the voters to request the $100 million raise for law enforcement officers. It's long overdue.”
