Sarah Grunau/ Houston Public Media
Houston firefighters union leader Marty Lancton confirms his bid for the Harris County Judge’s seat on Thursday, August 20, 2025.
In his efforts to turn Harris County red, Texas Governor Greg Abbott endorsed Houston firefighters union leader Marty Lancton for county judge on Friday, according to a news release from Lancton’s campaign.
Lancton’s bid for the chief county executive’s position this year drew the quick endorsements of local GOP heavyweights who vowed to flip the democratically-held seat. Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham backed Lancton during his campaign announcement at the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association building north of downtown Houston in August.
Abbott’s endorsement also reflects his goal — touted during an October campaign event north of Houston — to devote a significant chunk of his war chest to back more Republican candidates for Harris County positions. The governor said he would devote about $25 million towards GOP candidates in Harris County.
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In a statement on Friday released by Lancton’s campaign, Abbott called Lancton a “decorated firefighter and proven advocate for working families.”
“He has earned a reputation for putting principle before politics and people before power,” Abbott said.
In August, Lancton said he would prioritize lowering taxes and bolstering public safety and fiscal responsibility if elected as county judge. McIngvale likened Lancton’s election bid to a “Harris County DOGE” — a reference to the U.S. department created by the Trump Administration at the behest of billionaire Elon Musk.
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With Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo not seeking a third term next year, three other Democrats have filed as candidates for the March primary, including former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer.
Six Republicans — including Lancton and former Harris County treasurer Orlando Sanchez — are also vying for the position. The seat was held by a Republican until Hidalgo upset Ed Emmett in 2018.
“I’m grateful for Governor Abbott’s support and his confidence in our campaign,” Lancton said in a statement on Friday. “Harris County deserves leadership that is focused, collaborative and prepared to keep our communities safe while managing growth responsibly. I look forward to working with leaders at every level to deliver real results for Harris County families.”