Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was formally censured Tuesday following a heated and disruptive outburst during a commissioners court meeting. The 3-1 vote came after Hidalgo derailed discussions on her proposed tax hike to fund early childhood programs, drawing sharp criticism from both Democrat and Republican colleagues.
The incident unfolded during debate over Hidalgo’s Early REACH Program, which would increase taxes to expand early education access. When Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones called the proposal “half-baked,” Hidalgo launched into an extended argument, repeatedly interrupting speakers and using children in the audience to push her agenda. Videos posted by Urban Reform captured the scene, showing Hidalgo ignoring protocol and engaging in combative exchanges with fellow commissioners.
Commissioner Briones called the display “disruptive” and emphasized the need for respect and professionalism in public proceedings. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia echoed the sentiment, calling Hidalgo’s behavior “particularly offensive” and condemning her attempt to use children as political props.
Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey, who introduced the censure motion, pointed to a pattern of misconduct. He highlighted the judge’s prior walkouts, including one in July for a “group therapy” session, and referenced an earlier incident in which Hidalgo allegedly used profane language in front of a child during court proceedings. “Her outbursts continue to escalate to the detriment of the County’s business,” Ramsey said. “Issuing an apology would be the decent thing to do.”
Hidalgo dismissed the criticisms, blaming her colleagues for blocking her proposal. “It’s children,” she said. “It breaks my heart that they’re going to lose their early childhood education.”
She then abruptly left the meeting, citing a “doctor’s appointment.” The court proceeded without her and unanimously approved a rule change allowing for public censure of officials who violate decorum.
Hidalgo has faced mounting scrutiny for her conduct. In addition to frequent disruptions, the judge came under fire for spending over $903,000 in taxpayer funds on personal security—more than the total spent by all four county commissioners combined. In 2023, she returned from a multi-month leave of absence reportedly related to mental health treatment.
The censure, while symbolic, marks a clear rebuke from both sides of the political aisle and raises further questions about Hidalgo’s fitness for office.
