Presiding officer of Commissioners Court which has budgetary and administrative authority over all county government operations: adopts and approves the county’s budget; sets tax rates; fills vacancies and appoints officials; calls for bond elections; builds and maintains county infrastructure such as roads and bridges; oversees courthouses, jails, libraries, parks and Harris County Flood Control District. Also, county’s director of emergency management. 4-year term.
district
Harris County
Education
Rice University, B.A. in Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology (1978)
Occupation
Retired, and lecturing at Rice University
I am the only Houston leader to have served as City Councilmember, City Controller, and Mayor. I managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, oversaw thousands of employees, led emergency response during major storms, and delivered long-term infrastructure investments. As Controller, I built deep expertise in fiscal oversight and accountability. As Mayor, I governed during economic downturns while protecting core services, without raising the tax rate. I have extensive experience protecting and managing the city during natural disasters and emergencies. This experience directly aligns with the County Judge’s responsibility to manage budgets, set policy direction, manage emergencies, and coordinate across departments and jurisdictions.
My top priorities are: First, to deliver equitable, data-driven infrastructure investments that reduce flooding, improve mobility, and correct historic underinvestment in working-class neighborhoods. Second, to strengthen county public health and safety systems by expanding access to preventive care, mental health services, and coordinated responses to homelessness, while ensuring transparency and accountability in public safety practices. My plan relies on the core powers of the County Judge: budgeting, agenda-setting, coordination, and coalition-building. I will insist on transparency through public dashboards, regular reporting, and open engagement so residents can track progress and hold county government accountable.
district
Harris County
Education
An alumna of Spelman College, furthered her education at Baylor College of Dentistry
Occupation
Dentist
I am uniquely qualified to serve as Harris County Judge, bringing a blend of executive experience and a real commitment to equity. As a small business owner for 25 years and a Houston City Council Member, I have the fiscal discipline and leadership needed to manage our multibillion dollar budget on day one. As the most progressive candidate in this race, I am the leader Harris County needs to move beyond the status quo with bold, future focused solutions. My record shows I do not back down. I have led through six major disasters, fought for environmental justice in the 5th Ward, and passed landmark apartment reforms. I am a principled advocate who will challenge the establishment to ensure accountability and fairness for every resident.
Justice Decarceration and Reinvestment: Immediately shift County funding and policy to maximize Cite and Release, expand the Public Defender's Office, and invest in non-police emergency response to dramatically reduce the jail population and end the cycling of black and brown individuals through the justice system.
Community Health, Resilience Equity Access: Aggressively fund the strategic expansion of Harris Health Satellite Clinics or Mobile units into underserved communities of color, while championing Medicaid Expansion and fully resourcing behavioral and mental health services to address the root causes of instability and the high uninsured rate. Support and fund the Community Flood Resilience Task Force (i.e. Resilience HUBS)
