Harris County commissioners on Tuesday failed to advance a resolution calling for the resignation of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo following her recent actions at the Houston rodeo. 

The resolution, introduced by Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey, primarily aimed to recognize the success of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Still, its final clauses called for Hidalgo to step down and issue a public apology. 

“She has embarrassed this commissioners’ court,” Ramsey said. 

The item had previously been delayed after a February rule change shifted resolutions from regular Commissioners Court meetings to separate business court meetings. It was brought back on Tuesday morning but failed to gain enough support to pass. Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones supported the celebration of the rodeo, but opposed a call for resignation. 

“If I thought someone should think about stepping down from their position, I have always found it better to call a person privately to do it as opposed to publicly,” said Ellis. 

Meanwhile, Briones also expressed support for the rodeo’s success and “shared the sentiment” behind Ramsey’s concerns; she said accountability ultimately lies with voters. 

“Elections have consequences,” Briones said, adding that removal from office should follow established government code, rather than a symbolic resolution from colleagues. 

Hidalgo was not present at Tuesday’s meeting when the resolution was brought forward, marking the third consecutive commissioner court meeting she has missed. 

The dispute between Hidalgo and rodeo security occurred after she and four guests attempted to access a premium space near the concert stage without proper credentials. Hidalgo claimed she was “manhandled” by security personnel and escorted out, leaving her feeling “disrespected, threatened, and physically unsafe.” Rodeo officials have disputed that account and said they were “very disappointed” in her actions.

In the days following the incident, Ramsey and other Republicans, including state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, called for Hidalgo’s resignation. The rodeo’s board of directors also voted to remove Hidalgo from its board, a position tied to her role as county judge.

Hidalgo, a Democrat, serves as the county’s top executive and will not be seeking a third term. As of publication time, her office has not responded to requests for comment.Â