Houston Lawmaker Calls for County Judge Lina Hidalgo to Resign

Commissioner Tom Ramsey cites 'Rodeo-gate' controversy as reason for resignation call

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey has publicly called for County Judge Lina Hidalgo to resign following her removal from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last week. Ramsey cited the ongoing 'Rodeo-gate' controversy as evidence that Hidalgo is more focused on 'headlines' than providing effective leadership for Harris County.

Why it matters

The call for Hidalgo's resignation comes amid growing political fallout over the incident, with state Senator Paul Bettencourt also questioning Hidalgo's ability to lead the county through major disasters. The controversy highlights tensions between Hidalgo and other local officials, which could impact the county's governance and operations.

The details

Hidalgo was removed from the rodeo after attempting to access a premium seating area for which she did not have tickets, despite having access to a county-owned suite. Rodeo officials say Hidalgo had been provided 21 premium 'chute' tickets valued at around $9,000 for previous concerts, but was told the show she tried to attend was sold out. Hidalgo has alleged she was 'manhandled' by security, though the rodeo board denies any wrongdoing and says the same access policies apply to everyone.

  • On Tuesday, Hidalgo was removed from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after attempting to access a premium seating area.
  • On Thursday, Hidalgo returned to the rodeo seeking footage of the Tuesday incident.

The players

Lina Hidalgo

The current Harris County Judge, who has announced she will not seek re-election for a third term.

Tom Ramsey

A Harris County Commissioner who has publicly called for Hidalgo to resign following the 'Rodeo-gate' controversy.

Paul Bettencourt

A Texas state senator who has also questioned Hidalgo's ability to lead Harris County, calling the 'Rodeo-gate' incident 'foolishness and reckless behavior'.

Pat Mann Phillips

The Chairwoman of the Houston Rodeo board, who has denied any wrongdoing in Hidalgo's removal and said the idea she was treated unfairly due to her gender or ethnicity is 'absolutely false and insulting'.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for County Judge Lina Hidalgo to resign. Harris County needs leadership - not headlines.”

— Tom Ramsey, Harris County Commissioner (Twitter)

“This whole 'Rodeo-gate' is foolishness and reckless behavior unbefitting the elected County Judge of the Nation's 3rd largest county.”

— Paul Bettencourt, Texas State Senator (Twitter)

“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 Mann Phillips, Houston Rodeo Board Chairwoman (Letter from Rodeo Board)

What’s next

It remains unclear if Hidalgo will step down before her term expires or wait until the end of her second term.

The takeaway

The 'Rodeo-gate' controversy has sparked calls for Hidalgo's resignation, highlighting the political tensions and leadership challenges facing Harris County. The outcome could significantly impact the county's governance and operations going forward.