Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I am uniquely qualified to serve as Harris County Judge through a combination of proven executive leadership, deep local roots, and a demonstrated commitment to public equity. My experience as a Houston City Council Member provides a ready made foundation in large-scale governance, I spearheaded Apartment Inspection Reform that directly affected marginalized communities. As a small business owner for 25+ years, I possess the essential management acumen required to oversee Harris County’s multi-billion dollar budget. As a healthcare professional, I possess the public health experience necessary to spearhead Emergency Management, that I’ve demonstrated on City Council by leading during the Covid Pandemic and six extreme weather events.
Budget
Harris County is facing a projected $129 million budget deficit. How would you address this shortfall?
Harris County families understand that when times are rough, we can’t panic; we manage responsibly, set priorities and invest in what matters most. That’s exactly how I’ll approach this budget shortfall. By first conducting a top-to-bottom review of county spending to eliminate waste, improve efficiency and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. We have an obligation to protect core services while making government work smarter. This is best done by sharing services like libraries, health centers and parks with our municipal partners. We will aggressively pursue every available state and federal dollar that Harris County has earned but too often has had to fight for.
Infrastructure
Harris County voters approved a flood control bond in 2018. How will you ensure those funds are deployed effectively, and what additional measures would you take to address flooding and infrastructure resilience across the county?
The question isn’t if, but when the next storm comes. The County Judge’s job is to make sure when the next storm arrives Harris County is ready before, not after. Harris County voters placed their trust in county leadership when they approved the 2018 flood bond, and we have a responsibility to honor that trust by delivering projects efficiently, transparently, and equitably. As Judge, I will closely monitor project timelines, remove unnecessary bureaucratic delays, build capacity, pay our vendors timely, streamline procurement processes and ensure every community receives the flood protection they were promised. Taxpayers deserve regular public updates on where projects stand, how dollars are being spent, and what results we’re achieved
Accountability
How will you build consensus among Commissioners Court members to govern effectively, and what is your approach to transparency and accountability in county government?
Leadership is about bringing people together and achieving results, not headlines. The people of Harris County don’t elect us to win political arguments; they elect us to solve problems. Throughout my career, whether as a small business owner or a Houston City Council Member, I’ve worked with people who don’t always agree with me. On Council I had to get eight votes. For Commissioners Court I only need to get three. That’s how meaningful progress happens. As County Judge, I will lead with that same respect. I will listen first, and focus on the shared priorities that matter for residents; keeping people safe, preparing for storms, improving infrastructure, strengthening public health and making Harris County government work more efficiently
