On Friday, August 8, 2025, Houston Public Media reported that Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo faced a formal censure from county commissioners due to disruptions during a meeting focused on a proposed tax increase to fund child care programs.
The vote, which expressed disapproval but carried no impact on Hidalgo’s ability to serve, followed heated discussions and a failed attempt to place the tax hike on the November ballot.
The censure motion, introduced by Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey, was supported by Democratic Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia, with Democrat Rodney Ellis as the sole dissenter. The decision came after amendments to the commissioners court’s decorum rules, prompted by what some described as disorderly conduct during the meeting. Hidalgo was not present when the censure vote occurred.
Earlier that day, the commissioners court saw significant public engagement, with many children present in the courtroom as discussions centered on early childhood education programs previously supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds. Hidalgo had encouraged the children to approach the dais to hear the commissioners’ stance on the proposed one-penny tax increase. However, the motion to advance the tax hike failed to meet a critical deadline, leading to heightened tensions. Both Briones and Garcia called for order during the meeting, citing interruptions from Hidalgo and audience members.
Ramsey’s censure motion specifically pointed to Hidalgo’s failure to adhere to the court’s decorum standards, particularly in the presence of children. No debate followed the motion before its passage. Garcia noted he wished the vote had occurred earlier and suggested that censures should also apply to court members who disregard calls for order, likely referencing Hidalgo’s response during the earlier exchanges.
Hidalgo’s office did not provide an immediate comment on the censure. However, in a post on X, she criticized commissioners for blocking the tax hike, preventing voters from deciding on the measure. She also referenced the substantial campaign funds held by some Democratic commissioners, describing them as supported by large contractor donations.
According to recent campaign finance reports, Hidalgo’s own funds grew significantly, from $41,300 in January to approximately $600,000 by June’s end, primarily due to legal service refunds rather than new donations.
This censure adds to ongoing friction between Hidalgo and the commissioners court. Previous meetings, including one last August 2024 focused on a flood control project also saw calls for decorum after heated exchanges. During that session, Hidalgo expressed frustration with Garcia, stating she would no longer tolerate his perceived disrespect. Earlier this year, commissioners declined to fund a trade mission to Paris proposed by Hidalgo, who then used campaign funds to cover the trip’s costs.
A recent University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey indicated that Hidalgo’s net-approval rating for job performance was the lowest among elected Harris County officials, including commissioners, District Attorney Sean Teare, and County Attorney Christian Menefee.
Source: Houston Public Media
