Texas Judge Booted from Rodeo Grounds for Second Time Over VIP Seating Dispute

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo claims mistreatment due to her gender and ethnicity, but rodeo officials deny the allegations

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:09pm

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was escorted out of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds for a second time after attempting to access a VIP seating area without tickets. Hidalgo held a news conference claiming she was mistreated due to being a Hispanic woman, but rodeo officials deny the allegations and say they are enforcing the same access policies for everyone.

Why it matters

The dispute between Judge Hidalgo and the Houston Rodeo highlights ongoing tensions around access, privilege, and perceptions of unfair treatment, especially for women and minorities in positions of power. It also raises questions about the role of elected officials and their ability to access private events.

The details

On Thursday, Hidalgo held a news conference outside NRG Stadium in an attempt to secure security camera footage of the incident, but was once again escorted out of the rodeo grounds. This came after Hidalgo was previously removed on Tuesday night while trying to access a premium seating area at a Megan Moroney concert without having tickets. Rodeo officials say Hidalgo has had her "ex-officio director" status removed, meaning she will now have to pay to access the rodeo grounds like everyone else.

  • On March 9, 2026, Hidalgo was escorted from the venue while attending a Megan Moroney concert.
  • On March 13, 2026, Hidalgo was escorted from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds for a second time.

The players

Lina Hidalgo

The Harris County Judge who oversees the administration of Texas' largest county.

Pat Phillips

The Chairwoman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Chris Boleman

The President of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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What they’re saying

“We are very disappointed in Judge Hidalgo's actions Tuesday night and since. But we must enforce the same access policies for everyone. The Judge is the only elected official to request, even demand, these seats night after night. As Chairwoman of the Board, the idea that she was treated this way because she's a woman or Hispanic is absolutely false and insulting.”

— Pat Phillips and Chris Boleman, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chairwoman and President (Houston Chronicle)

“I don't travel without my passport anymore. Many of us do, especially those of us who are not white-passing.”

— Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Lina Hidalgo to regain her "ex-officio director" status and access the rodeo grounds without paying.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges around access, privilege, and perceptions of unfair treatment, especially for women and minorities in positions of power. It raises questions about the role of elected officials and their ability to access private events, as well as the importance of clear and consistent policies for all attendees.