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    hidalgo back

    Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo takes leave of absence after surprise statement

    Steven Devadanam
    Aug 7, 2023 | 3:35 pm
    ​Lina Hidalgo 2023 stairs

    Lina Hidalgo hopes to return in September, per her announcement.

    Lina Hidalgo/Facebook

    Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is taking a leave of absence, she announced on Monday, August 7.

    In a letter to followers and constituents, Hidalgo cited treatment for clinical depression — something she has been coping with "for some time" as the reason she is taking a step back.

    "Based on my doctor’s recommendation, I checked myself into an out-of-state facility to receive inpatient treatment in late July," Hidalgo writes. "It is important for me personally and professionally to confront this issue swiftly, so I will be taking temporary leave from the office while I am receiving treatment. My medical care team and I are hopeful that I will be able to resume my normal schedule by early September. I remain passionate about Harris County and its people and look forward to returning at full strength."

    Commissioner Rodney Ellis will preside over Commissioners Court in her absence, per rules that the longest-serving member on the court steps in during such a leave. Meanwhile, Hidalgo's chief of staff will continue to manage the day-to-day operations in her office, per the letter.

    Minutes after her official announcement, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner quickly issued a statement of support.

    "As difficult as this may be, Judge Lina Hidalgo is not alone in facing this challenge," said Turner in the statement. "A 2023 report showed that over 30% of adults meet the criteria for having depression and/or anxiety. Thankfully, she is in the care of doctors who recognize that this is treatable and is committed to getting better."

    "All of us know someone who suffers from depression," he added. "The good news is that now more than ever, resources are available for those who need help. My hope is that this experience can serve as a teachable moment and encourage others who need support to seek it. We cannot let stigma stand in the way of treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Hidalgo."

    Others were more pointed in their statement regarding Hidalgo's news, such as conservative talk show host Michael Berry. "I hope she gets help for her mental issues, and I hope she resigns from the office she is not qualified to hold. Shame on the puppeteers who installed her into a position that frightened her & led her to this," he tweeted.

    "Depression is not personal weakness," Ellis told the Houston Chronicle. "It's a medical diagnosis and it requires treatment the same way that a stroke, cancer or heart disease requires treatment."

    "There's a time when all of us ought to be big enough to rise above petty politics," he added. "This is one of those times."

    A local expert also voiced his support for Hidalgo's decision. “Treatments for clinical depression are effective, and while I have never met Lina Hidalgo, I am pleased to see her share that she is getting the treatment she needs,” Dr. Robert Boland, vice president and chief of staff at The Menninger Clinic in Houston, tells CultureMap.

    “Depression can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or personal or professional success. We applaud her for bravely sharing that she is taking important steps and time to devote herself to recovering. We hope the public will respect her privacy as this is a deeply personal decision to seek assistance.”

    For her part, Hidalgo promises to remain available in the event of an emergency and to staff. She also encourages others to seek treatment if they or anyone they care for are are dealing with depression, even offering county resources such as online help or calling 9-8-8. She adds in the letter she hopes to "share more" about her experience upon her return.

    A rising star in democratic circles — and a lightning rod since she was elected — Hidalgo landed on Time Magazine’s 2021 Time100 Next list and was a recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award, as CultureMap reported.

    Most recently, she was the subject of a glowing Vogue profile in April and was just named to President Joe Biden's reelection committee.

    This is a breaking news story.

    news/city-life
    popular

    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Houston billionaire ranks among top U.S. landowners and more popular stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Jun 14, 2025 | 11:01 am
    HMNS Great Outdoors Gala 2022 Russell and Glenda Gordy and Red FJ Cruiser
    Photo by Jenny Antill
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including a look at one of America's top landowners. Plus, the sad closure of a pioneering steakhouse and a popular pizzeria makes plans for Houston. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then head here to plan your weekend.

    1. Houston oil-and-gas billionaire ranks among America's top 100 landowners. About one-fourth of the country’s mega-owners of private land have ties to Texas, either living here, owning land here, or both. The highest-ranked Houston-based landowner is oil-and-gas billionaire Russell Gordy.

    2. Houston's pioneering South American steakhouse will soon shutter in River Oaks. Sad news for inner loopers who are fans of plantain chips, wood-grilled steaks, and Houston’s best tres leches. The River Oaks location of South American steakhouse Churrascos will close Monday, June 16.

    3. Texas Monthly's BBQ Snob dishes on the magazine's new top 50 list. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn joins CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the magazine’s new list of the 50 best barbecue joints in Texas.

    4. 'Famous' Bronx-based pizza chain fires up 3 Houston locations. A New York-based pizza chain has big plans for Houston. Called Singas Famous Pizza, the restaurant will soon open three locations in the area.

    Singas PizzaSingas Pizza is coming to Houston.Photo courtesy of Singas

    5. Texas slides down the list of best U.S. state economies for 2025. Texas' robust economy may be showing some cracks. Texas now ranks as the state with the eighth best economy, four spots lower than one year ago, according to a new report.

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