Democrat Letitia Plummer and Republican Orlando Sanchez met Thursday night for the final scheduled Harris County judge debate before Election Day. The candidates outlined competing approaches to immigration, public safety, county spending and government transparency.
Houston Public Media hosted the Oct. 22 debate with the Houston Chronicle, N+ Univision 45 and the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. Houston Public Media anchor Shelby Rose moderated the event.
Harris County Judge Debate Focuses on Immigration
Both candidates said county law enforcement should focus on public safety instead of federal immigration enforcement. However, they differed on how Harris County should respond to state mandates and support immigrant residents.
Plummer opposed agreements that would bring Immigration and Customs Enforcement into local communities. She also supported continuing the county’s immigrant legal services program. The fund provides legal assistance to residents facing deportation.
Sanchez also questioned using county officers for immigration enforcement. However, he said Harris County cannot afford to provide legal representation for every undocumented resident. He proposed relying more heavily on nonprofit organizations and volunteer attorneys.
Both candidates acknowledged that state law can require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE through federal immigration programs. Plummer said she would oppose county spending connected to those agreements. The Houston Chronicle reported that the legal services fund remains uncertain following state court action.
Candidates Support a New Criminal Justice Facility
Plummer and Sanchez agreed that conditions inside the Harris County Jail require significant changes. Both supported building a new criminal justice facility and expanding mental health services.
Their plans differed on location. Sanchez proposed moving the jail from its current downtown-area site. He said the county could redevelop valuable property and build a modern complex on less expensive land.
Plummer favored replacing the jail at its current location. She argued that moving it farther away could make family visits more difficult. She also supported diversion programs and ending the practice of sending inmates to facilities outside Texas.
Taxes and County Spending Draw Scrutiny
Both candidates questioned recent county spending decisions and opposed higher property taxes. Sanchez criticized staffing growth and high salaries within county government. He promised closer monitoring of publicly funded projects.
Plummer emphasized transparency and stronger project management. She said county leaders must explain how taxpayer money is used and ensure projects meet required deadlines.
The candidates also discussed Harris County’s relationships with Houston, state agencies and the federal government. Both promised greater cooperation, although they differed over the county’s recent relationship with state leaders. Univision’s debate coverage detailed their positions on spending, intergovernmental cooperation and housing.
Flock Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns
The county’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras produced another clear difference.
Plummer said she would not support the current contract without stronger protections. She called for clear rules governing data access and retention.
Sanchez recognized the cameras’ potential value in violent crime investigations. However, he also raised privacy concerns and said he would review the program before deciding its future.
Astrodome Takes a Back Seat
Neither candidate identified the Astrodome as an immediate priority. Both opposed using substantial taxpayer funds to renovate it and expressed openness to private investment.
The debate came during early voting in the race to succeed County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who is not seeking reelection. Plummer held a 47% to 40% lead in a recent University of Houston Hobby School poll, with 13% undecided. Early voting continues through Oct. 30, followed by Election Day on Nov. 3.
Harris County residents can review sample ballots, polling locations and voting requirements before casting their votes.