As November's general election neared, polling showed Hidalgo was in a tighter race with Mealer than expected, and a startling endorsement from the Houston Chronicle editorial board in favor of her opponent surprised many in Houston. Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer has conceded her bid to unseat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, with unofficial results show her trailing by . Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo . Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo beat Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer by more than 18,000 votes. Two candidates are vying for the position of Harris County judge in the upcoming Nov. 8 election with Republican candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer challenging the incumbent Democratic judge . Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives to a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. "Right now the county judge race is in a . Marie D. De Jess/Staff photographer . Hidalgo repeatedly has said the countys main public safety departments the sheriff, constables and district attorney have received funding boosts in each county budget since Democrats took control of Commissioners Court in 2018. A poll from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, released Monday on the first day of early voting, found 47% of likely Harris County voters say they will support Mealer, a political newcomer running for Harris County judge. She says her plan to hire 1,000 additional officers could be covered, at least in part, by cutting county administrative staff, though she has not revealed specific funding plans or committed to any cuts to core services. Politics A new poll shows the Harris County Judge's race is neck-and-neck. Espaol / English. Emmett assumed office in 2007. Editor's note: This article has been updated to include responses submitted by Alexandra del Moral Mealer. Sort of. Join ABC13's political reporter Tom Abrahams as he talks with Democrat County Judge Lina Hidalgo and her Republican opponent, Alexandra del Moral Mealer, about this November's general election. According to Harris County officials, Patrick told Hidalgo to sit down and shut up multiple times at the funeral. For the first time, the two candidates for Harris County judge, incumbent Lina Hidalgo and challenger Alexandra Mealer, sat down face-to-face. Those voters had plenty of reasons for their own enthusiasm, including the implementation of a strict abortion ban by Republicans in Texas, and a relatively competitive gubernatorial contest. The county judge race is expected to be close, though Hidalgo still has an edge over her opponent due to the countys leftward tilt, according to Rene Cross, the executive director of the University of Houstons Hobby School of Public Affairs. LUPE is a 501(c)3 organization Copyright 2023 1601 US-83 BUS, San Juan, TX 78589, Release: Hidalgo County Judge Candidates Will Tackle the Biggest Challenges Facing Colonia, RGV Residents at LUPE Candidate Forum. Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) November 9, 2022. ", "Sure she had almost $10 million in the bank, a U.S. senator, a furniture salesman, unscrupulous folks who were willing to tell lies, and a baffling editorial board endorsement representing the establishment," Hidalgo said. Hidalgo's conservative commissioners court colleagues have accused the judge of "defunding the police," a claim she has fiercely denied. The vote totals confirmed just how hotly contested the local races were. Hidalgo appeared to gain some breathing room over the summer, when public backlash to the Supreme Courts scrapping of Roe v Wade provided a boost to Democrats around the country. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, right, speaks about the expansion of the county's Jail-Based Competency Restoration program at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD on Feb. 9, 2023 . And the total number of votes will far surpass the total in 2014, the last time Republicans won countywide seats. But for now, her two GOP challengers are busy slashing at each other before the May 24 runoff election. Saturday, January 1, 2022. Martin trailed by a small margin, while the rest trailed by larger amounts. . I sincerely appreciate your vote of confidence in electing me. LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. Now, emboldened by a combination of factors the felony indictment of three Hidalgo aides, a sharp rise in homicides mirroring a trend across the country, and favorable national conditions Harris County Republicans have rallied behind Mealer as perhaps their best shot to reverse their recent struggles. Dozens of supporters for Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican candidate challenging Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, packed the room at the Sept. 13 meeting of Commissioners Court, each wearing "Alex's Army" T-shirts and loudly scoffing when Hidalgo spoke. If the unofficial results stand, Democrats would retain and expand control of the county government four years after they won a majority for the first time in decades. Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. Members shall draw lots to determine who serves which terms. We pride ourselves on doing our best, being responsible with taxpayer . Former Army Capt. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Hidalgo argues the county judge still can play a role on issues on which the county lacks direct oversight, such as gun control and abortion. 10:46 AM CDT October 23, 2022 . Early voting will begin Monday, October 24, 2022 and will run through. Vendor Portal . In her first term in office, Hidalgo has expanded the traditional responsibilities of county government beyond infrastructure, law enforcement and flood control, imagining a broader, more holistic role for the county that includes such things as child care, housing stability and reform-minded criminal justice. Edinburg, Texas 78539. 1 of 11 Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo greets her supporters at a primaries election night party at Axelrad Beer Garden, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. She's challenging Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo to become the chief executive over county government and head of the Commissioners Court. Hector de Leon, who works for the county clerk's office that used to oversee elections, analyzed early vote data to show some turnout trends among different demographic categories. 2022 / 08:13 AM CST . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (956)318-2570. People are looking beyond party lines and looking to the person, and thats the way local politics really should be, Mealer told reporters following the initial results. MLB legend makes surprise appearance at Astros' Spring Training, Houston is ugly, and I've never felt more at home, Texas A&M upset win clears path for UH to snag top overall seed, Oops! Democrats appear headed for victory in the unofficial results of two commissioner contests as well, showings that could expand their majority on Commissioners Court to a 4-1 split. After briefly looking down and taking a pause, Hidalgo continued: "But y'all, didn't I say it would be a sweet victory?". Hidalgo also addressed the millions in campaign contributions her opponent garnered from "far right, Trump mega-donors," while campaigning for office. Is Whataburger healthy? another GOP candidate for county judge, called Hidalgo a "formidable campaigner," adding that progressives see her as a key component to flipping Texas blue. Harris County judgeLina Hidalgotalks to her supporters at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Hidalgo County residents and colonia residents in particular are on the frontlines of the biggest challenges facing the nation and the world. Candidate Information Texas Secretary of State. BY THE NUMBERS: Republicans say violent crime is up, Dems say it's down. "She does seem to evoke strong emotions in either party. A new study says yes. FOX 26 Houston. In her victory speech, Hidalgo criticized local figures who contributed to her opponent, throwing shade at Mattress Mack, who notably did not take kindly to the judge referring to him as a "furniture salesman." Democrats on Tuesday generally faced a hostile climate, with President Joe Bidens lagging approval numbers, the uptick in crime and rising inflation all dragging on their enthusiasm. Surrounded by fellow Democrats, Lina Hidalgo delivered victory remarks and passing jabs at her detractors during a Wednesday afternoon speech following herdefeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. In the week leading up to Election Day, First Lady Jill Biden, Hamilton Broadway star Lin Manuel-Miranda and rapper Common stumped for Hidalgo and encouraged voters to cast their ballots for Democratic candidates. (Steve Gonzales, Staff photographer) / Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner before they gave a joint press conference about growing Monkeypox infections in July 2022. They asked the federal government for additional vaccine doses due to rising, but still relatively small, numbers of cases. Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer has conceded her bid to unseat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, with unofficial results show her trailing by just shy of 16,000 votes. Hidalgo has scoffed at Mealers police hiring pledge, pointing to the countys more than 400 unfilled law enforcement positions. Running for Local Offices; Notable Links . HARRIS COUNTY ELECTION UPDATES: Mealer concedes county judge race to Hidalgo. It all started with a viral video by the National Fraternal Order of Police denouncing where Hidalgo stood on the stage particularly close to the family and their elected officials to honor the fallen officer. Moreover, Patrick confronted Hidalgo at the event and accused her of defunding the police despite increasing the law enforcement budget since 2019. In February, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick criticized Hidalgo for where she decided to stand at the memorial service of slain Harris County Pct. 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a Republican, do not face election this year. Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared at a rally Tuesday supporting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for reelection. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged it after Rogers' ruling, prompting the intervention by the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court. (Jon Shapley, Staff photographer), Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Friday, February 18, 2022. Staff members faced charges of misuse of official information and tampering with a government record in connection to a county contract awarded by Hidalgo's office to a local public relations firm to create a county COVID-19 outreach program. . A first-time political candidate, Mealer ran a tough on crime campaign against the Democratic incumbent, criticizing Hidalgo for the countys crime rate and stumping on issues of public safety. She's responsible for emergency management, which means she's in charge when disasters strike, whether that comes in the form of chemical fires, floods, a pandemic or power grid failures during a historic winter storm . Harris County commissioner candidate Lesley Briones introduces gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke during a rally outside of the West Gray Recreational Area on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. This is due to Hidalgo facing scrutiny over allegations of not doing enough to combat a rise in crime and an ongoing lawsuit over an $11 million COVID-19 outreach . Democratic Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, left, is facing a challenge from Republican Alexandra Moral del Mealer. Turnout overall was down 10 percent, but de Leon noted it still marked the second-highest turnout for a midterm election here. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo tries to win re-election but faces a challenge from Republican Alexandra . Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? Hidalgo has touted her record steering the county through several major emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and last years winter storm, and establishing programs focused on early childhood education, pandemic recovery and environmental health and monitoring. Onward! Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a Democrat, and Pct. She has evolved into a savvy, hard-nosed, driven candidate, and she has been incredibly successful in raising the funds necessary to compete with Lina Hidalgo. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Adrian Garcia is in a rematch with Republican Jack Morman, Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer debate Harris County budget, crime and policy, appeared to gain some breathing room over the summer, What you need to know about Lina Hidalgo and Alex Mealer in the race for Harris County judge, refused campaign contributions from county contractors, have relied heavily on firms that do business with the county, has raised millions from small-dollar donors, Hidalgo, Harris County Dems hope for boost from abortion, national trends, but races still competitive over crime, economy. Ariana Garcia joined Chron in 2021. "That is a key priority," Hidalgo said. A new study says yes. So, I think it's actually harmful to spend a lot of time talking about issues that aren't in your control," Mealer said. I am committed to working hard every day . Monday, February 14, 2022. A look back at Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's biggest moments of 2022. "We are just getting started.". Her biggest donor was Richard Weekley, a Houston-based developer and megadonor who contributed $400,000 to Mealers campaign. Sort of. If Hidalgo holds on to win, she will have overcome an aggressive re-election fight in a hostile political climate for Democrats. Shortly before 5 a.m., the early votes and less than half of the 375 voting centers had been reported. Texas 2022 Elections GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after . Oct 25, 2022 - News. According to a new University of Houston poll, Mealer holds a slight lead with Election Day just two weeks away and early voting already underway. Elections Lina Hidalgo reelected as Harris County judge . Jay R. Jordan; Axios on facebook. Harris County judge candidates . U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz attends Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. ", The Republican newcomer continued: "This campaign was always about good government and I am hopeful that we have played a role encouraging that going forward. Their Republican opponents will need runoffs to determine winners. Republican Harris County Judge candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer gets ready to talk to the media as early election results come in at her watch party at Kirby Ice House on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 in Houston. He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. The poll released by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo at 48% among likely . Fellow Democrat Adrian Garcia also secured another term as Precinct 2 commissioner, defeating Republican Jack Morman, who held the seat before Garcia won it four years ago. He joined the Hearst Austin bureau in 2021 after nearly three years as a City Hall reporter for the Chronicle and a prior stint covering Bexar County for the Express-News. Democratic Precinct 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia's, Turner: TEA is giving Houston ISD two optionsclose school or be taken over, Two ocelots were photographed crossing a road in rare South Texas sighting, Houston Rockets poised to reap benefits from Eric Gordon trade, Willie Nelson's new album is a lovely tribute to a fellow country legend, Hiker captures 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo of wildlife at Brazos Bend State Park, Why Johnson City in Texas Hill Country is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. Lina Hidalgo ( Democratic Party) is the Harris County Judge in Texas. Help us ask the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge the challenging questions. Campaign finance reports received by the Harris County Office of the Elections Administrator on July 15 show $2.88M in total contributions between Feb. 20-June 30 to the two candidates for Harris . Cagle was unopposed on the Republican side. Incumbents in more high-profile local posts, namely Hidalgo and Garcia, fared better. As Hidalgo's woes multiplied in commissioners court, her political opponent continued to rack up high-dollar contributions from well-heeled conservative donors. "To the naysayers who think I'll be intimidated by conspiracy theories or by bullying or by political prosecutionsbring it on!" He said they were watching growing caseloads in other major American cities. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo looks back at Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner before they gave a joint press conference about growing Monkeypox infections Monday, July 25, 2022, at Houston TranStar headquarters in Houston. First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail. In addition to the county judge race, Republican Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle is running against Democrat Lesley Briones, and Democratic Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia is in a rematch with Republican Jack Morman, the former commissioner he narrowly ousted four years ago. The Houston Chronicle's editorial board makes an endorsement for the Harris County judge that can be considered crucial in the tight race. "Elections should not be about pitting one group against each other. Q&A with Harris County judge candidate Alexandra Mealer. Kennedy is a reporter at Chron covering all things Houston. Hidalgo, Garcia cruise through primary, while incumbent judges struggle, Timeline: How battle between Houston ISD, TEA has reached the point of a looming takeover. Hidalgo enjoyed a small lead in the 2018 early vote, and she performed better on Election Day, growing her lead to secure a 50-to-48 percent victory. What does the data say? "Because Lina has funded more full-time social workers than she has sheriff deputies.". defeat of Republican challenger Alex Mealer in Tuesday's Harris County judge election. Registered Voters as of February 27, 2023 Total 412,899. Emmett left office in 2019. Like most other candidates, Mealer is accepting campaign donations from county contractors. HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KVEO) Hidalgo County's judge will seek to keep his position for four more years in 2022. 05/09/2022 01:51 PM EDT. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo hugs U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia after being reelected for a second term on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 in Houston. Brandon Waltens | October 4, 2022. The judge congratulated other candidates who . A strong gender gap exists in the vote for county judge, with Hidalgo holding a 12% lead over del Moral Mealer among women (52% to 40%), while del Moral Mealer . . During the March primaries, incumbent Lina Hidalgo took a huge lead as the Democratic nominee, but the race seems neck-and-neck against Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer . While Hidalgo has raised millions from small-dollar donors, she has struggled to keep pace with Mealer, who reported a fundraising haul of $4.9 million from July 1 through Sept. 29, the latest period covered by public campaign finance reports. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022. During her campaign, Hidalgo said she was also subjected to smears, attacks, and the "dirtiest political tricks" from statewide leaders like Gov. Her opponent, Republican challenge . He initially joined the paper through the Hearst Journalism Fellowship program after covering the same beats for the San Antonio Express-News. McGuinness previously covered the Rhode Island statehouse for the Associated Press and breaking news for the Boston Globe. From attacks by Texas Republicans, charges filed . Taken on September 7, 2022. I want to thank each & every voter who showed up to make their voice heard this election. From attacks by Texas Republicans, charges filed against her staff, a well-funded campaign against her and Commissioner Court drama, Hidalgo still finished the year with a win to keep her seat as top county official for the next four years. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo is applauded as she arrives at a primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. Release: Hidalgo County Judge Candidates Will Tackle the Biggest Challenges Facing Colonia, RGV Residents at LUPE Candidate Forum. Join us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live tonight, Friday, February 4th at 5 pm. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's political future is on the line for 2022. art. "They do that to get you talking about everything but Harris County. The local Democratic Party administers the polling locations on Election Day. Race for Harris County judge still too close to call Published: November 8, 2022, 11:56 AM Updated: November 9, 2022, 1:04 AM Tags: Decision 2022 , Harris County , Voting , Lina Hidalgo . LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Hidalgo has held the position since defeating then-incumbent and longtime County . Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo greets people in line outside West Grey Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray St., on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Houston. While Mealer and other GOP candidates running for seats on Commissioners Court have maintained an intense focus on crime and public safety, those issues are far from the only challenges facing Harris County government, which also is responsible for planning out billions of dollars in flood control projects, overseeing development in unincorporated areas and running public health institutions that provide treatment for a large share of the county's uninsured, low-income residents. "Truth won over lies." The Democratic incumbent has touted her response to the COVID-19 pandemicincluding supporting measures like drive-thru voting to help make it easier to voterecord investments in the county toward early childhood education, and creation of a legal defense fund for immigrants under her leadership. Staff writers Samantha Ketterer, Yilun Cheng and Elizabeth Trovall contributed to this report. HOUSTON Lina Hidalgo, the progressive Democrat who leads Texas's largest county, which includes Houston, narrowly won re-election despite a well-funded effort by a Republican . Texas 2022 elections: Who won, who lost Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won reelection after a close race against well-funded opponent Alexandra del Moral Mealer. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? Candidate for Harris County Judge Alexandra del Moral Mealer poses for a photo Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. Another candidate for county judge is McAllen City Commissioner Tania Ramirez. Austin, TX, October 4, 2022 A new poll out Tuesday shows voters prefer Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer to incumbent Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo 48 to 44 percent, with 8 percent undecided.. On behalf of the conservative Defend Texas Liberty Political Action Committee (PAC), CWS Research conducted the survey of 900 likely voters in Harris County between September 24 and October 1. Axios on twitter. Daniel Marichalar (D) Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney. For any questions regarding your voter information please call the Hidalgo County's Elections Department at (956) 318-2570. . Previously, she was a community news and breaking news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. Sen. Ted Cruz, who endorsed Mealer showed up at Mealer's election watch party. Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo talks to her supporters at an primaries election night party, Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Houston. The spotlight also fueled speculation she could someday run for larger office, both of which made her a primary target for both local and statewide conservatives. Procedures for Candidates, 2019-2021. "We've worked for a commissioners court that looks like our county and we've worked to make sure that diversity is represented throughout the leadership of county government," she said. I also want to thank Ms. Mealer for a hard-fought campaign & her military service. Lina Hidalgo throws shade at 'furniture salesman' Mattress Mack during victory speech, Mayor: HISD has two optionsclose school or be taken over, Rare photos show 2 ocelots crossing South Texas road, Eric Gordon trade looking better and better for Houston Rockets, Willie Nelson pays lovely tribute to another country legend, Hiker takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo at Brazos Bend State Park, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. 5 Deputy Corporal Charles Galloway. 4 candidate Lesley Briones talks to her supporters at her watch party at Cottonwood on N. Shepherd Tuesday Nov. 08,2022.Also pictured are her daughters Catalina, Ana Lucia and Valentina. Hidalgo-Mealer county judge race is a showdown over Harris County budget and its role in voters' eyes, Timeline: How battle between Houston ISD, TEA has reached the point of a looming takeover. "I want to thank her for her concession and I want to thank her again for her service to our country so let's give her a round of applause." Poll Watcher's Guide (PDF) Public Information Request (PDF) Election Forms This is a developing story. the Hidalgo County health authority, announced he was passing on a campaign for the seat, saying he could . The judge congratulated other candidates who won in Tuesday's election, including Democratic Precinct 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia's victory over his Republican opponent Jack Morman. Mayor: HISD has two optionsclose school or be taken over, Rare photos show 2 ocelots crossing South Texas road, Eric Gordon trade looking better and better for Houston Rockets, Willie Nelson pays lovely tribute to another country legend, Hiker takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo at Brazos Bend State Park, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. What does the data say? Hidalgo's staffers being charged in 2022 with helping . Quick Links. Recent polls reflected the two candidates were in a virtual dead heat, with Mealer up two points over Hidalgo. For the latest and best fromChron,sign up for our daily newsletter here. Elections Harris County election results 2022: County judge, commissioners, propositions. Monday, January 31, 2022. Minerva Diaz (R) Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4. The primary election is March 1, 2022. Following Democrat Lesley Briones' election win against incumbent Jack Cagle for Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, Hidalgo noted that the Commissioners Court now has three Hispanics and two women. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? 2022 Updated: 5:24 PM CST November 9, 2022 . This is a carousel. Hidalgo County Clerk. "No one really knows what the county judge does. Corresponding demonstrations led by members of local law enforcement only added to the sentiment that the judge's control was under pressure, and opposition against the incumbent was capped by the court being forced to adopt a no-new budget stance due to ongoing Republican no-shows. Turnout in the top 10 majority Black ZIP codes was down 15 percent from 2018, for example. They attributed the delay to damaged ballot sheets that must be duplicated before they can be scanned by counting machines, according to Secretary of State John Scotts office. Another well-to-do donor on the list of Mealer supporters is beloved Houston Gallery Furniture salesman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, who cut televised endorsements for Hidalgo's challenger and would go on to publicly tussle with the judge after her campaign's end. As many of you know, I am not a stranger to public service. Brioness lead over Cagle came in part by design. ", Yesterday, the people of Harris County chose optimism over fear & people over politics. According to the County Administrator's office, the county has added 47 deputies and 12 social workers since 2020. Here is a look at some of her most significant moments of 2022. Emmett (Republican Party) . Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, This is what Houston looks like from space. In that race, Hidalgo a little-known challenger capitalized on Democratic enthusiasm in a midterm election under a drastically unpopular Republican president. The result: Cagles Republican-leaning precinct became a Democratic-leaning one. Marie D. De Jess, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Bun B, Badu, J.J. Watt celebrate RodeoHouston Southern Takeover, Exclusive: Abbott explains push against diversity hiring programs. That is not guaranteed, though, given the narrow nature of their leads and the in-limbo status of the set-aside ballots. Hidalgo reported having $2 million in her campaign account, giving her a slight edge over Mealers $1.7 million cash on hand. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day?