HOUSTON (Nov. 4, 2026) — Texas voters delivered significant political changes Tuesday night, electing Democrats to several statewide offices while making history in Harris County, where Letitia Plummer became the first Black woman elected county judge.
Plummer, a former Houston City Council member, defeated Republican Orlando Sanchez with approximately 62% of the vote, according to results reported by KPRC 2. Sanchez conceded the race Tuesday night.
In May, Plummer and Annise Parker – who were both candidates for the position at the time – joined HABJ for a discussion at its general body meeting.
As county judge, Plummer will lead Harris County Commissioners Court, overseeing decisions involving the county budget, flood control, infrastructure, public health and other essential services.
The historic election was part of a broader Democratic showing across Harris County. Incumbent Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Lesley Briones won reelection, while County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth and Treasurer Carla Wyatt retained their offices. Democrat Abbie Kamin won the county attorney’s race, and Darrell Jordan Jr. was elected district clerk.
KPRC LISTS FULL LOCAL AND STATEWIDE RESULTS
Historic Changes Across Texas
Statewide, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, becoming Texas’ first Latina governor and the first Democrat elected to the office since Ann Richards in 1990.
Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, marking another significant shift in Texas politics. The state has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since Lloyd Bentsen.
In other statewide contests, Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, while Democrat Nathan Johnson won the attorney general’s race against Republican Mayes Middleton.
Houston Voters Approve Proposition A
Houston voters also approved Proposition A, a charter amendment making certain marijuana offenses the Houston Police Department’s lowest enforcement priority and prohibiting officers from requesting or executing no-knock search warrants.
The November 3 election brought changes in political leadership at both the state and local levels. For Harris County, Plummer’s election represents a historic milestone in Black women’s political representation, while the incoming statewide leadership will face decisions affecting education, public safety, healthcare and economic policy.
Results reflect election-night reporting and remain subject to official canvassing.