Harris County Judge Walks Out of Commissioner's Court Over Door Dispute

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo walked out of a commissioner's court meeting after expressing frustration over a plan to add a door that would connect her office to the Precinct 4 office. Hidalgo argued that she and her staff already have limited workspace and the additional door would further reduce their space.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Hidalgo and the commissioner's court over office space and renovations in the Harris County Administrative Building. As the top elected official in the county, Hidalgo's walkout signals a breakdown in communication and cooperation between her office and the commissioner's court.

The details

During the meeting, Hidalgo disagreed with former Houston fire chief Samuel Peña, who works with the county engineering office, over the placement of the proposed door. Hidalgo wanted the door moved, stating 'I have very little space. I cannot work out of a community center because I don't have any.' She then abruptly left the meeting, telling the commissioners she would 'start my lunch' and that they could 'put out your spin' on the situation.

• The commissioner's court meeting took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

No decision was made at the meeting on where to put the door, so the dispute over the office renovations is likely to continue between Hidalgo and the commissioner's court.