(HARRIS COUNTY, Tex.) – Democrat Lina Hidalgo, who was the first woman and person of Latino descent to be elected as Harris County judge, has defeated Republican candidate Alexandra del Moral Mealer to retain her seat, according to local station KHOU 11 News.
“Unity prevailed over division in this election. Truth prevailed over lies and decency prevailed over vitriol, and I’m proud of that.” Hidalgo said during a press conference following her victory.
Hidalgo will have a second term leading the courts in the country’s third-largest county. The area includes the city of Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States.
Originally born in Colombia, Hidalgo moved to America with her parents when she was a child. She obtained her undergraduate degree in political science at Stanford University and worked as a medical interpreter in Harris County before transitioning into politics. She also volunteered at the Texas Civil Rights Project, according to Hidalgo’s campaign website.
Her campaign focused on public safety and funding for the police, emergency management and inflation, and the long-term consequences of last year’s winter storm and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since 2019, Judge Hidalgo has led Commissioners Court in decreasing the tax rate by 7.72% for homeowners and increasing the public safety budget by 23%,” Hidalgo’s campaign said in a press release.
Hidalgo’s win came after a very close race against Mealer, who raised the most money that the county judge race has ever garnered: Mealer raised $8.6 million, while Hidalgo raised $2.4 million, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Special Report: The 2022 Midterms
November 20, 2022
Clean Elections USA Accused of Voter Intimidation
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November 18, 2022
Illinois Approves Collective Bargaining Measure
Illinois voters approved constitutional Amendment 1, codifying the right to collective bargaining and prohibiting right-to-work laws in the state constitution, with more than 50 percent of voters in favor, according to The Associated Press. Known informally as the Worker’s Rights Amendment (WRA), the measure guarantees Illinois laborers the right to organize themselves, negotiate contracts, and advocate for desired wages and benefits. It further codifies the right to collective bargaining and prohibits right-to-work laws in the state constitution.
November 18, 2022
Karen Bass Wins LA Mayoral Race, Vows to Focus on Homelessness
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November 11, 2022
Colorado Legalizes and Decriminalizes Psychedelics
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November 10, 2022
Democrat Elected Mayor of Bend, Oregon
While Oregon is a purple state, Democrats have held power as governors and city council members for years.
November 10, 2022
Michael Bennet Holds Colorado Senate Seat for Democrats
'This country is now in the position to lead the entire world in this transition we have to make over the next 25 years, and Colorado is positioned to lead the country," Bennet said in his victory speech.
November 9, 2022
California Voters Amend Constitution to Protect Right to Abortion
California amends its constitution to protect the right to choose abortion and to choose or refuse contraception.
November 9, 2022
Heated Georgia Senate Race Ends in a Runoff
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker will face off again in December.
November 9, 2022
Republican Ted Budd Wins NC Senate Seat After Tight Race
Despite the lack of national media coverage, the race proved to be a crucial one for control of the Senate, as Democrats faced uphill battles across the country.
November 9, 2022
Dem Rep. Josh Gottheimer Keeps Seat in NJ 5th District
In the the second match-up for Gottheimer and Pallotta, the incumbent prevailed, winning a fourth term in Congress.
November 9, 2022
Democrat Jim Harrity Wins At-Large Seat on Philly City Council
Harrity easily defeated his Republican challenger in deep blue Philadelphia.
November 9, 2022
Minnesota Dem Ilhan Omar Keeps Her Seat in the House
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for putting your faith in me, for standing with me through one of the most difficult times for our community and our country."
November 9, 2022
Nancy Pelosi Retains Her San Francisco Seat, Speakership Uncertain
Nancy Pelosi defeats John Dennis in California's 11th district
November 9, 2022
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer Remains Michigan Governor
Democratic incumbent Gretchen Whitmer has retained her position as Michigan’s governor against Republican challenger Tudor Dixon as voters turned out in droves.
November 9, 2022
California Passes Prop 28, Funding Art and Music Education
Passage of Prop 28 will provide between $800 million to $1 billion annually for public school music and arts education in California.
November 9, 2022
Baltimore City to Approve Two-Term Limits for Mayor, Other Roles
The ballot measure means certain elected Baltimore officials, including the mayor, will be limited to two terms beginning in 2024.
November 9, 2022
Democrat-Turned-Republican Wins US House Race in New Jersey
Van Drew won a third, consecutive term over the Democratic candidate, Tim Alexander in New Jersey's 2nd District.
November 8, 2022
American Elections Not Top of Mind in Qatar
While Americans were casting their ballots, people in Qatar were more focused on the World Cup they will be hosting in a couple of weeks.
November 8, 2022
Atlanta Suburb Says Yes to Cityhood
The Atlanta suburb of Mableton has voted to incorporate as a town.
November 8, 2022
S.C. Sen. Tim Scott Wins a Second Full Term
South Carolina Sen.Tim Scott fended off a challenge from Krystal Matthews keeping the seat he has held since 2013.
November 8, 2022
NY Sen. Chuck Schumer Defeats Joe Pinion Winning 5th Term
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has retained his seat, defeating Republican opponent Joe Pinion by 76% to 23.6%, winning 451,526 votes with 9% of the votes counted according to The Associated Press.
November 8, 2022
Republican Marco Rubio Keeps His Senate Seat
Republican Senator Marco Rubio has defeated Rep. Val Demings for Florida’s Senate seat, The Click can report. Rubio has represented Florida in Congress since 2011.
November 8, 2022
Taiwan Worries Midterms Will Affect Passage of a Crucial Security Bill
The election is especially important to Taiwan due to an expected vote on the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022, a measure proposed in September, months after a senior congressional delegation visited Taiwan in April.
November 6, 2022
Meet the Republican Taking on Nancy Pelosi in Her Home Turf
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November 6, 2022
A Czech Journalist Shares Why He Loves Covering American Politics
Daniel Anyz, a reporter for the news site Aktualne.cz, will be keeping readers in the small European country informed from Pennsylvania — and he told the Click that this time, democracy is in peril.
November 5, 2022
New York Set to Vote on $4.2 Billion in Funding for Green Projects
New Yorkers will cast their votes during Tuesday’s midterm election for a $4.2 billion bond act, Proposition 1, which will go toward investments in clean infrastructure and environmental conservation.
November 4, 2022
Blind Persons Sue State of Alabama for Right to Vote Privately
In Alabama, blind citizens cannot vote using paper ballots without help from a sighted person. The lawsuit contends that this violates their right to vote privately and independently.