Texas Judge Kicked Out of Rodeo for Second Time Over VIP Seating Dispute

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo claims she was "manhandled" and threatened with arrest after trying to access concert's chute area without proper tickets.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was escorted out of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for a second time after attempting to access a VIP seating area without tickets. Hidalgo held a news conference outside the venue trying to obtain security footage of the incident, but was again asked to leave the grounds. This comes after a similar incident earlier this week where Hidalgo was removed while trying to access a premium seating area at a Megan Moroney concert.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight an ongoing dispute between Hidalgo and Rodeo Houston officials over access to VIP areas. Hidalgo, who serves as the chief executive of Texas' largest county, has accused the predominantly white male rodeo leadership of mistreating her due to her gender and Hispanic background, a claim the rodeo denies.

The details

On Thursday, Hidalgo held a brief news conference outside NRG Stadium in an attempt to secure security camera footage of the incident. However, a rodeo spokesperson said Hidalgo did not have access to the rodeo grounds and was only permitted to briefly address reporters before being escorted to her vehicle by police. This came after Hidalgo was removed from the venue on Tuesday night while trying to access a premium seating area at a Megan Moroney concert, despite not having tickets.

  • Hidalgo was escorted out of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Thursday, March 14, 2026.
  • Hidalgo was previously removed from the venue on Tuesday, March 12, 2026 while trying to access a premium seating area at a Megan Moroney concert.

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 Board.

Chris Boleman

The President of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Chairwoman, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Board (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 (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Hidalgo has called on officials to install more security cameras at NRG Stadium to better capture incidents like the ones she was involved in.

The takeaway

The ongoing dispute between Judge Hidalgo and Rodeo Houston officials highlights tensions over access and treatment of elected officials, particularly women and minorities, at high-profile events. The incidents raise questions about the rodeo's policies and whether they are applied fairly across all attendees.