HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has been open about her mental health struggles and did not shy away from the topic when her duties as county judge were challenged by Commissioner Adrian Garcia during a recent commissioners court meeting.
In 2023, Hidalgo took a leave of absence after announcing she was being treated for clinical depression.
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Since then, she has received weekly therapy, which had not conflicted with her duties—until now. Commissioners court meetings, previously held on Tuesdays, were rescheduled to Thursdays—the same day and time as Hidalgo’s group therapy.
When Hidalgo courteously asked if the court could wait to take a vote on the consent agenda until she returned, Garcia took the opportunity to share his opinion on the request.
Hidalgo explained, “As you guys know, I have to take a break between 3 and 4 o’clock. I have my group therapy. We knew this when we rescheduled to have the commissioners court on Thursday. So that was my asterisk when we decided to move courts on Thursdays.”
Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey acknowledged the issue, saying, “That 3 to 4 is an important hour. What can we do 3 to 4?”
Commissioner Rodney Ellis attempted to mediate by suggesting a compromise.
Hidalgo responded, “If you can extend that courtesy to me of holding the vote until I return to this court, it would be a lot easier.”
However, the conversation took a turn when Garcia emphasized that everyone has important commitments.
Garcia said, “I walk into these meetings with my day planned, and today, I already have commitments. If we lose an hour without anything productive, it really disrupts my schedule. So, I would also like some consideration for my schedule. Not knowing we are going to take an hour out during court meetings—I would just say if we can…”
He added that the court would change the rule at the next meeting, and if they happen to go into the 3 o’clock hour while Hidalgo is gone, they should just take votes as a court so everyone can move forward.
Hidalgo replied, “You can do that, Commissioner, and I’ll be sure not to extend that courtesy to you in the future.”
She reiterated her concern about the meeting schedule change.
Hidalgo said, “Court used to be on Tuesday, the court decided to move our meetings to Thursdays. When I took my mental health leave in 2023, I was inpatient for anxiety and depression. I’ve been very public about that, and since I returned, I’ve been doing my group therapy on Thursdays from 3 to 4:30. So when court said they wanted to move, I said I have a standing commitment that is part of my mental health treatment.”
She continued, “I would just like to underscore that you’re joining the ranks of those who have tried to pick on me for mental health treatment.”
Garcia responded, “No, no, please, please, we’re not going to go there. I got put on the planning commission, that’s on Thursdays. We moved the court to Thursdays—I can’t make all the planning commission meetings, that’s why I have my proxy there and we’re able to continue the business.”
Hidalgo interrupted, “I can’t send a proxy to my mental health treatment. Yes, Commissioner, let’s just move on, OK? If you want to have the vote without me, have the vote without me. I’ll remind the community that you are interfering with something that I mentioned before. People can see your behavior, and frankly, I think it’s embarrassing, but that’s OK. Alright, let’s move on.”
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This is not the first time the two have clashed in court.
In August 2024, Hidalgo and Garcia had a verbal altercation that spilled over onto social media.
RELATED: Commissioner Adrian Garcia responds to Judge Hidalgo’s accusations of ‘disrespect’ amid court clash
That incident occurred near the end of a marathon 10-hour meeting, followed by a spirited conversation that lasted several minutes, during which the judge exchanged words with fellow court members.
The exchange included heated discussions over a motion involving flood control. Although a “friendly amendment” was proposed, things quickly turned unfriendly, with Hidalgo at one point saying, “You guys chill, oh my God.”
Commissioner Lesley Briones attempted several times to get the meeting back on track, asking, “Can we please get back to the people’s work?”
Hidalgo then turned her frustration toward Briones, asking, “Why don’t you instead help your colleague when somebody else is attacking her personally?”