Annise Parker Files for Potential 2026 Harris County Judge Run, Setting Up Possible Primary Clash with Lina Hidalgo

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker appears to be moving forward with a challenge to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in the 2026 Democratic primary.

According to the Quorum Report, Parker is filing a campaign treasurer appointment this morning—a key step toward launching a formal campaign.

Parker later confirmed posting a statement on X.

Speculation about Parker’s potential run first surfaced earlier this year, when a source close to the former mayor confirmed to Houston Public Media that she was seriously considering entering the race. That same source said the dynamics of the race could shift depending on whether Hidalgo seeks re-election or sets her sights on higher office.

“My understanding is that the judge – and I don’t think it’s a secret – is interested in potentially seeking higher office,” Max Moll of Cornerstone Government Affairs told Houston Public Media in May. 

Hidalgo has remained popular among Harris County Democrats, with polling earlier this year showing her favorability above 80%, despite an ongoing criminal investigation involving three of her former staffers. The case, originally under review by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, was handed over to the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

If both Parker and Hidalgo compete in the 2026 primary, it would mark a high-profile showdown between two well-known Democrats. Parker, who served as Houston’s mayor from 2010 to 2016, has maintained national influence through her leadership of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, where she has served as president and CEO since 2017. 

Hidalgo, first elected in 2018, has not yet publicly confirmed whether she intends to seek a third term.