Republican Daniel Wong has been named the interim county judge for Fort Bend County following the suspension of sitting judge KP George.
The big picture
The temporary suspension, which was ordered April 10 by Judge Jeth Jones in the 400th Judicial District Court, is part of a civil case that alleges George violated two residents’ First Amendment rights during Commissioners Court meetings last July and September, according to court documents.
The suspension remains valid through the completion of the civil case, which is scheduled for a jury trial Sept. 28, per court documents.
Community Impact reached out to the Fort Bend County Judge’s Office and Wong for comment, but responses were not returned by press time.
Also of note
George was convicted March 20 on two third-degree felony money laundering charges—totaling $46,500—tied to campaign funds. However, Wesley Wittig, Fort Bend County second assistant district attorney, said the suspension is not tied to the criminal case.
During a March 26 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners named Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage as presiding officer “in anticipation of the finalization of the conviction of the county judge.” Prestage was set to step into the role if George was “suspended or removed ... and/or ineligibility to serve” based on his felony conviction.
The original March 26 decision was intended as a temporary stopgap. The April 10 decision from Jones will supersede that action.
Wittig previously said George would not be removed from office immediately for the criminal case. Instead, he said removal language would be included in the judgment once the June 16 sentencing is complete.
Additionally, if George appeals, that could pause the removal and allow the court to consider suspending him from office in connection with the criminal case while the appeal is pending.
Looking ahead
Wong will become the acting judge after executing a $50,000 bond as required for elected officials and temporary appointees before assuming office, per court documents.
George’s term is set to expire following the November 2026 election, when Wong and the winner of the May 26 Democratic runoff between Dexter L. McCoy and Rachelle Carter will face off.
