You know how local elections really hit home? Well, in Harris County, some big leadership changes are brewing, and the surveys are giving us a peek at who might be in charge of some really important legal and administrative roles. This isn't just about who wins; it's about what kind of legal direction and public services you'll be living with. Let's break it down. Listen, the Harris County Judge isn't actually a judge, despite the title. Think of them more like the county's CEO. They lead the Commissioners Court, which sets the budget, oversees major infrastructure projects, and shapes public policy for millions of Texans. So, who's looking good in this powerful race? On the Democratic side, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker is looking strong for the County Judge seat. A new survey from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs shows nearly half of likely Democratic voters are backing her in the primary. This makes sense given her high name recognition and experience running a city as large and complex as Houston. She’s a known quantity, and in a high-stakes race like this, that counts for a lot. But when you look at the Republicans, it's a different story entirely. More than half of likely GOP voters are still trying to figure out who they want. That’s a huge group of undecided folks, which means this primary could still go in many directions before early voting wraps up on February 27. Orlando Sanchez, who’s been around local politics for decades, currently leads among those who *have* made up their minds, pulling in about 21% of the Republican vote. He's been a county treasurer and city council member, so he’s no stranger to the system. It’s interesting because Marty Lancton, a firefighters union leader, jumped into this race with some serious backing – including Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott even publicly stated he wanted to turn Harris County “dark red” and planned to pour campaign resources into races like this one. Yet, Lancton is only getting 10% support in the survey right now. This just shows you that even top-level endorsements don't always translate directly into votes, especially when voters aren't fully engaged or informed about every candidate in a crowded primary. It also highlights the limits of state-level influence on deeply local voter behavior. This entire contest for County Judge is happening because Lina Hidalgo, the current Democrat, decided not to go for a third term. Her departure opens the door for a major shift in the county's leadership and its policy agenda. The winner will truly shape Harris County for the next four years, impacting everything from criminal justice reform to environmental initiatives. Early voting has already kicked off on Tuesday, March 3, so people are making their choices now. Next up, let's talk about the Harris County Attorney position. This role is a legal powerhouse. The County Attorney is essentially the county’s chief lawyer, providing legal advice to all county departments and representing the county in court. Think about all the lawsuits the county might face or initiate – the County Attorney handles them. This office can really influence public policy through legal challenges or defenses, directly affecting how local government functions. On the Democratic ballot, you’ve got Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin and civil court Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans. Kamin is showing a lead with 26% of likely Democratic voters, but a massive 61% are still undecided. That's a lot of room for movement before the ballots are cast. The only Republican candidate is Jacqueline Lucci Smith, a former civil court judge who used to work in the county attorney's office. The outgoing County Attorney, Christian Menefee, made headlines by frequently using his office to legally challenge actions by the former Trump administration. That kind of activism from the county's chief legal officer has real public policy implications – it shapes how local government interacts with state and federal power, often on constitutional grounds. Kamin, in her campaign, seems to be signaling a similar, assertive approach. This suggests a potential continuation of a policy stance that isn't afraid to use the courts to advance the county’s perceived interests. Menefee actually won a special election to complete an unexpired congressional term and is now defending that seat in a primary – talk about a career pivot! Then there’s the District Clerk. This office is all about the mechanics of justice – managing court records, jury services, and making sure the legal system runs smoothly. It’s not as flashy as the County Judge, but it's vital for access to the courts and judicial transparency for every resident. This primary has a staggering eight Democratic candidates, and a whopping 82% of likely Democratic voters are currently undecided. That's almost everyone! Republican Chris Daniel, a former District Clerk, is the sole GOP candidate. The current District Clerk, Marilyn Burgess, isn't running again. This came after a bit of a kerfuffle where she voted to give herself a significant salary increase – an action that raised conflict of interest red flags with county commissioners. They shot down her request, and she then announced her retirement, expressing “deep concern” about how the county operates. This whole situation is a good example of how public officials’ actions, particularly concerning their own compensation, can become major public policy and ethical issues, leading to scrutiny and questions about accountability. What this survey really shows you is that while some candidates have a clearer path, especially on the Democratic side for County Judge, many other critical roles are still wide open. For you, as a resident, this means paying attention to these races is important. These aren't just names on a ballot; these are the people who will be making decisions that affect your taxes, your local legal system, and the overall quality of life in Harris County. It's a reminder that every vote in these primary elections truly matters for setting the direction of our community.