NPC Newsmaker: Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County, TX

Lina Hidalgo, county judge of Harris County, Texas, will speak at a National Press Club in-person Headliners newsmaker on Tuesday, December 7 at 10 a.m. Hidalgo will deliver a speech entitled, “Deep in the Heart of Texas: How Texas’ Largest County Is Leading on Progressive Change.”

Hidalgo was elected at 27 to lead the state’s most populous county, home to Houston, and oversee its $5 billion budget. She is the first woman and the first Latina to hold this office. Hidalgo, a progressive Democrat, is frequently at odds with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, clashing with him over mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and voting rights.

Hidalgo was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Her family left Colombia when she was five, and she lived in Peru and Mexico before moving to Houston at the age of 15.

To submit a question in advance for the speaker, put HIDALGO on the subject line and email to [email protected]. 

Members, guests, and visitors are required to show proof of vaccination at the entrance to the Club. This can be a physical copy of your vaccination card, or a photo of it on your mobile device. If you cannot show proof of vaccination, you must show a recent negative COVID-19 test (within 48 hours). If you would prefer to upload your vaccination record in advance of the event, you can do so at www.press.org/vaxpass. To read more about Club safety measures, please visit https://www.press.org/safetyfirst