What we reported On Nov. 6, Democrats won control of Harris County Commissioners Court and other key county positions. Notably County Judge Ed Emmett was defeated by Democratic challenger Lina Hidalgo. The election had the highest overall voter turnout for a midterm in Harris County and was the last major Texas election that offered straight-ticket voting. The latest Newly elected officials took office Jan. 1. Democratic officials that assumed positions previously held by Republicans include Hidalgo as well as 23 county court judges. Commissioners court will tackle issues like an ongoing lawsuit over the fairness of county bail bond practices.