As Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo weighs whether to seek reelection, former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter announced Monday that she is prepared to enter the race—if the incumbent opts out.
“I want to make it clear, if Judge Lina Hidalgo chooses not to run for re-election, I, Erica Lee Carter, will be running for Harris County Judge,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter. “This community means everything to me, and I’m ready to step up and lead on the issues that matter most to Harris County.”
Lee Carter, the daughter of the late longtime U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, entered the political spotlight following her mother’s passing last year. The elder Lee, who served for decades in Congress representing Texas’s 18th District, left a lasting legacy in Houston and beyond. Her daughter was elected to serve out the remainder of her term, winning the special election by a wide margin with nearly 70% of the vote. She served in Congress for two months.
Now back on the local stage, Lee Carter says she’s ready to lead Harris County with a progressive and people-first vision. “As a progressive voice, Democrat, and dedicated public servant, I remain committed to providing the kind of forward-looking leadership that addresses the real needs of all Harris County residents,” she said in a statement. She also thanked community leaders and supporters who have encouraged her to run.
Judge Hidalgo, first elected in 2018, has not yet announced her intentions for 2026. Her current term expires in 2027. In a statement last month, she acknowledged the growing interest in the race.
“Our democracy is built on open participation, and more options for voters is a good thing,” Hidalgo said. “I understand the desire to know whether I will be running, and I expect to announce a decision in the coming weeks.”
Lee Carter’s potential candidacy signals a new chapter in Harris County politics—one that may hinge on Hidalgo’s next move.
