Tuesday marked the first day of early voting for the March 3 primary. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo exercised her civic duty and cast her ballot, showing up not just as a public servant, but as a voter committed to participation in our democracy.

From gray sky days to blue sky days, Judge Lina Hidalgo has been fighting for all Harris County residents since day 1. Join us in wishing our very own Harris County Judge a very Happy Birthday!

On this Presidents’ Day, we honor those presidents who led with honor, dignity, and a deep commitment to serving all people. Today, is about reaffirming the standard: leadership that serves everyone, protects democratic institutions, and upholds the responsibility entrusted by the people.

Judge Hidalgo joined Peter Rodriguez - Dean of Jones Graduate School of Business, Pascal Desroches - AT&T Senior Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, students, faculty, and business leaders for a business partners' thought leadership discussion at Rice University.

Please see the statement from County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

February is Black History Month. During this month, we honor the sacrifices and celebrate the culture, traditions, and impact of Black Americans.

Due to severe winter weather in Harris County, early voting for the Special Runoff Election for Congressional District 18 has been extended two more days. If you live in CD-18, get out and vote!

Stay safe, stay warm! The temperatures are predicted to drop over the course of the next 24 hours. Visit the link below to find the nearest warming centers and overnight shelters. bit.ly/3M4J2l7

If you feel like you’re being price gouged during the hard freeze, don’t hesitate to report your concerns to the Harris County Attorney’s Office by sending an email to [email protected] or texting 346-354-7459. Keep your receipts, and any images of signage for your complaint.

As the cold weather continues, right now people need to stay put. Harris County has ice on several freeways and surrounding areas. This is an evolving situation, and Judge Hidalgo will provide an update at noon.

As freezing temperatures blanket our region, the most important thing you can do to prepare is to follow the 4 P’s. Stay weather aware and informed at ReadyHarris.org

As Harris County residents continue to prepare for freezing temperatures this weekend, hear from Chato Woodward, a plumber with Plumbers Local Union 68, about how you can protect your pipes from freezing. bit.ly/45vjuEh

Yesterday, Commissioners Court congratulated Alex Bunin on his retirement after 15 years of service as the first Chief Public Defender of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. Happy retirement Chief Bunin and thank you for your integrity, determination, and strong leadership.

Well well well, looks like we got ourselves a bit of a #heatedrivalry between County Judge Hidalgo and Allegheny County Executive Innamorato! We're talking @houstontexans at @steelers on Monday night, winner take all. Loser has to wear the other team's merch. Who's gonna win? To be continued...

Read Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s Op-Ed in the Houston Chronicle on why the U.S. — and especially Harris County — needs democracy in Venezuela. bit.ly/49reS31

Happy Kwanzaa to all celebrating in Harris County. Wishing you a meaningful and blessed holiday season.

Judge Hidalgo is grateful for the countless people working every day to strengthen our county, from county staff to members of the community. From all of us at the County Judge’s Office, happy holidays!

Thank you Harris County for your generous donations! With your help we were able to give the gift of learning to over 450 children for the holiday season.

Judge Hidalgo was happy to celebrate the holidays with the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis at their annual Senior Holiday Luncheon and Resource Fair. This event provides the seniors in our community with vaccinations, health screenings and access to social services.

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest news from the County Judge’s Office: bit.ly/3Mqemur

Judge Hidalgo joined Consul General Lindström, and community partners, for a ribbon cutting marking the opening of the Finland Consulate General. Finland’s decision to open a Consulate General in Houston is a symbol of our commitment to driving growth, investments and innovation to our region.

Judge Lina Hidalgo was thrilled to attend the last Wellness on Wheels Event hosted by Harris County Public Health. These mobile events provide our community with opportunities to access breast and cervical cancer screenings, vaccines, dental screenings, and receive referrals to health services.

Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating in Harris County! May your celebration be filled with light, joy, and happiness.

The Office of County Judge Lina Hidalgo extends our deepest gratitude to our Fall Fellows. Over the semester, our fellows worked alongside our communications and policy teams to fulfill projects critical to the success of our office.

Give the gift of family to one of our many pets available for adoption at Harris County Pets. Now until December 15, all adoption fees are reduced making this the perfect opportunity to fill your heart with the love and warmth of a furry friend. View all adoptable pets at countypets.com/adopt.

Please see the statement from County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Over 500,000 visitors are expected to travel to our region for FIFA World Cup 26™. The Office of Judge Hidalgo joined Airbnb and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee to promote the legacy of the game and highlight our region’s global appeal, cultural diversity, and world-class hospitality.

Harris County is fired up and ready to welcome FIFA World Cup 26™ to our region in Summer 2026!

During the trade mission to Taiwan and Japan, Judge Hidalgo met with Keidanren Chairman Tsutsui Yoshinobu. Keidanren represents more than 1500 Japanese companies. Judge Hidalgo advocated for increased investments in Harris County. Read more here: keidanren.or.jp/journal/times/2025/1204_01.html

Houston FIFA World Cup teams announced! www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/dynam...

Harris County is excited for FIFA World Cup 26™! More than 500,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to travel to Harris County for the games next summer. Judge Hidalgo is working with local partners to ensure that all fans can enjoy the games safely. Let’s get ready for some fútbol!

Our Chief of Operations and Emergency Management joined partners from local, state, and federal government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to receive updates about emergency preparedness and management efforts throughout our region.

The Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo is still accepting new book donations for children ages 2-13. Your donation will help give the gift of learning to children at Blue Triangle Multicultural Community Center, The Lawson Academy and Our New Beginnings Learning Academy.

Happy Thanksgiving Harris County! We are so thankful for each and every one of you that makes our region the best place to live, work, and thrive.

Judge Hidalgo thanks the C.T. Bauer Foundation for their generous $2,000,000 grant to the Houston Food Bank. She also extends her thanks to faith leaders across our region who stepped up and hosted food distribution events to help those on SNAP or Medicaid during the government shutdown.

The Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo had the privilege of hosting members of the Consular Corps of Houston, the third largest Consular Corps in the United States, for a meeting focused on emergency management in Harris County and the FIFA World Cup.

In Taipei, the trade mission delegation celebrated the growing ties between Houston and Taiwan at the “Houston Lands in Taiwan” event. Judge Hidalgo highlighted the decades of friendship from the Houston- Taipei Sister City relationship and our shared commitment to innovation and global connection.

As a Japanese immigrant and a longtime supporter of philanthropy in Harris County, Mrs. Saitoh embodies the strong friendship between Harris County and Japan. Judge Hidalgo was grateful to attend a dinner hosted by Mrs. Saitoh and her family during Harris County’s Taiwan and Japan trade mission.

The 25th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast & Ceremony, hosted by Klein ISD, is a community tradition honoring the courage and service of veterans and their family members. This event highlights the district’s appreciation for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their loved ones.

The trade mission to Taiwan and Japan included the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Investment Summit where Judge Hidalgo spotlighted Harris County as a prime destination for Japanese investment. This was an opportunity to reinforce Harris County's global competitiveness.

At the Keidanren Investment Summit, the Taiwan-Japan trade mission continued as Judge Hidalgo spoke of Harris County as a global hub for investment, innovation, and industry growth. Judge Hidalgo promoted the development of new partnerships in energy, advanced manufacturing and technology.

The Office of Judge Hidalgo presented a resolution at the SEER & Serve First Responder Appreciation Day. This annual event featured a cook-off, vendor exhibits, and volunteer activities — all designed to honor the dedication, bravery, and collaboration of those who protect lives across the region.

Thanking all Harris County veterans and their families for their selflessness, bravery, and dedication to our nation.

As part of the trade mission to Taiwan and Japan, Judge Hidalgo and the delegation met with Cooler Master, a Taiwanese hardware manufacturer specializing in computer parts and AI data center cooling solutions for major companies. Cooler Master is exploring expanding their operations!

The Office of County Judge Hidalgo presented a proclamation in celebration of the African American Memorial Conservancy’s Dedication Ceremony. This tribute honored the ancestors and descendants of the formerly enslaved people of Kendleton, Texas, a proud city and community founded by freed slaves.

Please see the release from Judge Lina Hidalgo.

During the trade mission to Taiwan, Judge Hidalgo toured Foxconn’s facility and met with company leaders to discuss expanding Foxconn’s advanced manufacturing and innovation footprint with investments in AI, electric vehicles, robotics, and clean technology production.

Nonprofit and interfaith organizations across Harris County are offering special food distributions to SNAP recipients and federal employees whose paychecks have been paused due to the federal government shutdown. Please view a full list of food distribution sites here: bit.ly/4p1hmLP

If you’ve not made your voice heard, today is the last day to do so! Grab a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or loved one and head to the polls from 7am-7pm. Visit harrisvotes.com for more information on what’s on your ballot and to find your closest polling location.

Due to the federal government shutdown, many Harris County residents will stop receiving SNAP benefits beginning in November. If you or someone you know needs help, please see the link for distribution sites across our region: bit.ly/4hAkVpX