Harris County exploded into oblivion all stereotypes about its inclusivity. Residents elected Lina Hidalgo, a millennial, by a substantial margin to become the county judge.
Egberto Willies interviews Lina Hidalgo on Politics Done Right
Lina Hidalgo, a woman, a millennial, a 27-year-old Latina immigrant from Colombia, is now the most powerful politician in Texas’ largest county, Harris County. It is the 3rd largest county in the country.
Who is Lina Hidalgo
Lina Hidalgo is the Democratic nominee for Harris County Judge, an executive position that controls the budget for our Harris County – the third largest County in America.
Lina was born in Colombia when the drug war raged and kidnappings were rampant. As they left their home country, Lina’s parents had two goals: to get the family to a safer place and to make sure that Lina and her brother had a good education. Emigrating to Harris County as a child, Lina is a proud product of Texas public schools and studied political science at Stanford University.
Lina has always been committed to giving back. She has dedicated her working life to our most vulnerable communities—from her time at the Texas Civil Rights Project to serving as a Spanish-English medical interpreter at the Texas Medical Center and supporting immigrants in search of lost loved ones. From her early childhood in South America and Mexico to her years in Texas public schools, and her time working with nonprofits at home and abroad, Lina has seen up close what happens when societies tolerate corruption and disparities. She said she will fight to combat both.
Politics Done Right interviewed Lina Hidalgo a few weeks before the election. It was clear to me that she was ready for the job. She displayed a calm and a poise she will need as she finds herself under scrutiny from the good old boys.
Many Republicans and Democrats balk at Lina’s age and experience. A good leader knows what they don’t know and seeks advice when warranted. It is clear she will do that. In our patriarchal society, I find it astounding this type of question is seldom addressed to men in the same scenario.
Here is the reality. A county judge concerns aren’t solely about flood control, but healthcare and much more. The good old boys have been running this county for a long time. No one stepped up to challenge Ed Emmitt who in my opinion has failed Harris County. That he seemed poised managing our floods means nothing given that much of the floods could have been mitigated if well-known plans were already in place to improve Harris County’s flooding problems for decades. But leaders must be truthful to constituents about costs and taxes instead of demagoguery to solve our real problems. I expect Lina to do just that. A good leader knows what they don’t know and seek competent advice.
When Progressives vote, they win.
[revised 2018-11-10]