The Brief

Letitia Plummer's Surprising Victory in Harris County Judge Runoff

Former Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer defeats ex-mayor Annise Parker in Democratic runoff, signaling a shift in local politics.

In a stunning political upset, Letitia Plummer, a former at-large member of the Houston City Council, secured the Democratic nomination for Harris County judge by narrowly defeating Annise Parker, the city's former mayor and a longstanding figure in local politics. Plummer garnered 51.1% of the vote in the May 26 runoff, while Parker received 48.9%, according to unofficial results from the Harris County Clerk’s office. Plummer's victory is seen as a reflection of voters' desire for new leadership and a departure from established political figures. Political analysts suggest that her grassroots campaign, which emphasized community engagement and addressing residents' concerns, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate. The runoff election saw a shift in voter dynamics compared to the March primary, where Parker led with 46% of the vote to Plummer's 37%. The May runoff attracted a more diverse voter base, contributing to Plummer's success. Looking ahead, Plummer is set to face Republican Orlando Sanchez, a former Harris County Treasurer and city council member, in the November 3 general election. Sanchez won his runoff by a substantial margin, positioning him as a formidable opponent. The upcoming election is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates bringing significant experience in public service. For residents of Harris County, the choice between Plummer's progressive approach and Sanchez's conservative fiscal policies will be pivotal in shaping the county's future direction.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Apathy, younger choice drove Harris County judge Dem upset — texastribune.org
Plummer Ousts Parker in Upset Victory for Harris County Judge - Houston Press — houstonpress.com
Harris County judge race appears to be set, with Orlando Sanchez and Letitia Plummer leading races - ABC13 Houston — abc13.com
"2026 Harris County Judge election" — Wikipedia
Trash Fee Vote 06/10/2026 Houston City Council — YouTube · Civilian
This week in City Council: Appointing Alvin Johnson to the Houston Housing Finance Corporation — YouTube · Office of Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Council Recap: Apartment Ordinance, Quattro Memorial & What You Missed — YouTube · Office of Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Houston City Council passes amended ICE ordinance 13-4, city attorney said not much changed — YouTube · ABC13 Houston
(04-22-2026) Case No. 01-24-01020-CV Harris County v. A.D.