Harris County officials push back after Governor Greg Abbott calls for the state to take over local elections, citing security measures and transparency as they prepare for upcoming elections, including the midterms.

Two Republicans have filed to run against incumbent Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, a Democrat, in the November elections.

Jonathan Fombonne, the newly appointed Harris County attorney, said Gov. Greg Abbott lacked the authority to take control of local elections in a Friday news release.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent threat to take over Harris County elections in the wake of what critics say is a minor voter registration error is likely Despite Gov. Greg Abbott's threats, lawyers and experts say he can't take over Harris County elections.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said Democrat-leaning Harris County "should be stripped of operating elections" while referencing a Houston Public Media report about the local tax office finding more than 100 voter registrations linked to P.

By the end of June, Harris County will have held at least five elections, including special elections, runoffs, and the March primary.

Just four candidates have declared their intent to challenge two incumbent commissioners, each of whom represent roughly a million residents, in the 2026 elections.

Four judicial candidates withdrew from their 2026 races after incumbent judges and other Democrats filed suits alleging their candidate filings contained forged signatures and other irregularities.