Mealer concedes Harris County judge race: 'Thank you to all those who supported our campaign for good governance'

Incumbent Democratic Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has edged out Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer to win a second term, per Houston-based media outlets. 

Hidalgo, the first woman, the first Latina and the youngest ever county judge, bested Mealer with 51% of the vote. 

Houston NBC affiliate KHOU reported that Mealer conceded the race on Wednesday after all the ballots were tallied. 

“Thank you to all those who supported our campaign for good governance,” the Army veteran said in a tweet.

First elected as chief executive of Texas’ largest county in 2018, the 31-year-old Hidalgo embarked on her reelection campaign with a tougher road ahead compared to four years ago. 

According to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC, Mealer outraised Hidalgo by around $7 million, as well as earned a high-profile endorsement from furniture businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, an immensely beloved figure in the Houston area.

KPRC reported that Hidalgo endured a hard-fought contest with Mealer, who campaigned on public safety. 

Per the station, Hidalgo asserted that her administration funded law enforcement since she initially took office. 

Just before the election, the predominantly Democratic Harris County Commissioners Court proved unsuccessful in passing a budget after its two GOP members intentionally missed meetings to block its passage.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that the race was called just before 9:30 a.m. 

The station reported that Hidalgo expressed cautious optimism about the results while purportedly clinging to an 11,000-vote lead in early voting totals. 

As of press time, Hidalgo hasn’t issued a statement regarding her victory.