Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo fined by state for using taxpayer money for political advertisements
The Texas Ethics Commission determined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo used taxpayer money to pay for political advertising to support Sean Teare in the DA race.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo paid a $500 fine after the Texas Ethics Commission determined she used taxpayer money to pay for political advertising.
Earlier this month, TEC announced that it found "credible evidence" that Hidalgo used public funds to help pay for advertising to support district attorney candidate Sean Teare as he ran against current District Attorney Kim Ogg.
Documents from the commission showed that Hidalgo agreed to pay a $500 fine for the violation.
Hidalgo issued this statement on the incident:
"At a press conference last November, I responded to false allegations against my office, as it is part of my job to defend the integrity of my office. The Commission asked for a $500 penalty after recognizing the situation was a minimal issue. I am confident everything I did and said was appropriate, but rather than spending many thousands of dollars and precious time, we agreed to a minimal settlement so that I can focus my energy on the needs of Harris County."
Please see my statement below: pic.twitter.com/U7cO3vyj4C
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) June 26, 2024