Harris County's next judge to be decided in high-stakes May runoff
Kamala Harris, the current judge of Harris County, will not be seeking a third term. The county will hold a runoff election on 26 May to determine her successor. The position holds significant power, overseeing the county's budget, emergency response, and daily operations as its chief executive.
In the Democratic primary, Annise Parker led with 46.62% of the vote. A former Houston mayor and city council member, she now faces Letitia Plummer in the runoff. Plummer, a dentist and ex-Houston council member, earned 37.29% of the vote.
On the Republican side, Orlando Sanchez topped the ballot with 26.46%. A former Harris County treasurer and Houston council member, he will compete against Warren Howell. Howell, an Air Force veteran and insurance company owner, secured 20.79% of the vote.
The runoff will decide who replaces Harris, who served two terms after winning in 2018 and 2022. The winner will take on the role's broad responsibilities, including managing the county's budget and leading emergency response efforts in weather conditions like those experienced in Houston.
Early voting for the runoff begins on 13 May, with election day set for 26 May. Only the top two candidates from each primary will appear on the ballot. The elected judge will serve as Harris County's chief executive, budget officer, and emergency management leader for the next term.
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