On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Houston Chronicle reported that Judge John Delaney had recused from the Conroe collective bargaining case following a motion filed by the city, alleging ethical violations. The city claimed that Judge Delaney conducted independent research on the case before a scheduled hearing, which is against ethical guidelines.
The case revolves around a petition to place collective bargaining on the May ballot in Conroe. The Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association submitted the petition, seeking to ensure adequate staffing, training standards, and workplace safety. The association had previously filed a lawsuit against the city in December, claiming the city violated the law by rejecting their petition.
The association submitted the petition containing 3,650 signatures on December 12. State law mandates that such petitions include signatures from 5% of registered voters from the most recent general election, which was held in November 2024.
Interim City Secretary Sami Quinlan stated during a special meeting on December 19 that the Montgomery County Election’s office could not determine the number of registered voters in Conroe from that election since the city did not have an election at that time. State law requires 20,000 signatures if the number cannot be determined. The association initially filed the suit on December 22.
During a hearing on January 9 regarding the association’s motion for a temporary restraining order, Judge Delaney admitted to conducting independent research. He outlined that he had determined the number of voters and precincts within and partially the city during the November 2024 election, estimating that approximately 2,900 signatures were needed. The city argued that because Delaney consulted an external source without providing the city an opportunity to review it, ethical guidelines were breached.
Judge Albert M. McCaig, Jr. has been assigned to the 284th State District Court to preside over the case
Source: Houston Chronicle
