Harris County judge race heads to runoff after no candidate clears majority
March 4, 2026
Transcript
Lisa Hernandez (news anchor):
In the race for Harris County judge both parties are headed to runoff to decide their November nominees. On the Republican side former [Harris} county treasurer Orlando Sanchez holds a narrow lead with 26%. Businessman Warren Howell edged past firefighters union president Marty Lancton by just a few thousand votes, setting up a Sanchez / Howell runoff. On the Democratic side former Houston mayor Annise Parker leads with 47% followed by former at-large Houston city council member Letitia Plummer at 37%. KPRC 2’s Deven Clarke’s outside the Harris County Judge’s office to break down what these numbers mean for voters.
Deven Clarke (news reporter):
So far results show that no one reached a majority so right now there’s no telling who will be the next Harris County judge to work here, so for now the focus shifts into who can build the most momentum heading into May. The race to lead Harris County is entering its next phase after voters narrowed the field in Tuesday’s primary. The Harris County judge serves as the county’s chief executive, oversees the budget, manages disaster response, and leads [Harris County] commissioners court. On the Democratic ballot Annise Parker and Letitia Plummer emerged as the top two finishers. Parker has campaigned on her experience as Houston’s former mayor and city controller focusing on disaster preparedness, infrastructure, and fiscal management.
Annise Parker (candidate):
What’s gone wrong is that there’s no communication; there’s no coordination; there’s a lack of professionalism; and I really want to focus on let’s come together around the agenda for all of Harris County.
D. Clarke (reporter):
Dr. Plummer who has her own local dental practice has emphasized expanding public health, economic opportunity, and getting ahead of disaster recovery by making the county more resilient.
Letitia Plummer (candidate):
The work that I did at the city was quality life issues. It focused on affordability; it focused on allowing people to live and thrive within the city in an equitable way. [Harris County] needs the same thing.
D. Clarke(reporter):
And on the Republican side Orlando Sanchez and Warren Howell advance from a crowded primary field. Sanchez has centered his campaign on public safety, election security, and reducing county spending.
Orlando Sanchez (candidate):
With my years of service not only in the city of Houston but having served as county treasurer for Harris County I’m the only one that’s ever voted to cut property taxes which is important. I served as a Harris County probation officer with two felony courts, two misdemeanor courts.
D. Clarke (reporter):
Howell an Air Force veteran has focused on government accountability, audits, and streamlining county operations.
Warren Howell (candidate):
What we want to do is create a smaller more efficient government, one that gives taxpayers what they’re paying their taxes for – finally. And right now Harris County government is on the wrong tracks.
D. Clarke (reporter):
Early voting for the runoff begins this spring with election day in May, so right now candidates are working to consolidate their support and focus on that general election. Reporting outside of the Harris County commissioners court Deven Clarke KPRC 2.