Plummer wins Harris County judge seat with 813,708 votes
The former dentist and council member defeated Republican Orlando Sanchez in the November 3 midterms, becoming the first Black woman and Muslim to hold the office.
By Alexei Brooks ·
Residents of Texas’ most populous county will see new leadership at the top of the administration starting with Letitia Plummer. She won the Harris County judge race on November 3, 2026, securing approximately 813,708 votes. That total represents 61% of the unofficial count. Her Republican opponent, Orlando Sanchez, received 521,501 votes, or 39% of the total.
Plummer’s victory changes the demographic history of the office. She is the first Black woman elected to the position. She is also the first Muslim to serve as Harris County judge. Sanchez conceded the race on Tuesday evening. This concession clears the path for Plummer to take over the duties of the county’s chief executive.
Plummer replaces Lina Hidalgo, who served for eight years. Hidalgo decided not to run for a third term. Before her county-wide victory, Plummer held a seat on the Houston City Council. She was first elected to that body in 2019. Her background includes work as a dentist and a focus on affordable housing, public safety, and community development.
The campaign centered on improving county services and strengthening infrastructure. Plummer had to win the Democratic primary before facing Sanchez in the general election. She defeated former Houston Mayor Annise Parker in a close runoff to secure the party’s nomination. Her win marks the first time since 1958 that a Democrat will succeed another Democrat as judge.
The election results come from the November 3 midterm cycle. KPRC 2 reported the unofficial vote totals. Plummer will assume the role as the new head of Harris County government following Hidalgo’s departure.
