Tensions rose in Harris County after the $2.7 billion 2026 budget approval, sparking a public clash between Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.
Hidalgo accused Briones on Instagram of pushing a budget that hurts working citizens and called for a primary challenge against her.
Hidalgo regretted appointing Briones as a civil court judge in 2019, saying she trusted Briones to prioritize the community and manage taxpayer funds responsibly. She also claimed she agreed to redraw precinct boundaries based on that trust.
Briones fired back on Facebook, denying Hidalgo’s role in drawing precinct maps and saying the maps were created by a commissioner before she ran for office. She accused Hidalgo of bullying and spreading false accusations against local Democrats, emphasizing her commitment to respect and civility.
Hidalgo’s office has not responded to requests for comment.