SUGAR LAND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George has announced a shift to the Republican Party.
In a press conference at a Sugar Land hotel Wednesday morning, George made the party shift official.
George has served as county judge in Fort Bend County since Jan. 2019, when he took office after being elected as a Democrat.
TIMELINE of KP George’s political path: From social media hoax claims to money laundering allegations and a party change
“For the past few years, it has become very clear to me, and also many others, that the Democratic Party has become one of corrupt and radical political ideologies and position.”
George has been seen in court in recent weeks, making appearances related to criminal charges in two separate cases.
These cases include a misdemeanor misrepresentation of identity case that is linked to George’s former Chief of Staff, Taral Patel, who entered a guilty plea in April for his role in the social media hoax, and a case surrounding two counts of money laundering, a third-degree felony.
The decision shifts the advantage to Republicans in Fort Bend County Commissioners’ Court by a margin of three to two.
One of those commissioners is Andy Meyers. His complaint into Patel’s action is what launched the investigation that ultimately results in George getting indicted by Fort Bend County residents.
George told 2 Investigates that their relationship is not awkward and they work well together.
“I respect him, and he respect me,” he said.
At the conclusion of the press conference, George was asked whether or not he would run for county judge reelection as a Republican in 2026.
He responded with the following quote:
“Why would I not run? I am the sitting county judge. I am definitely looking to run; I am going to be on the ballot.”
Back in April, the Fort Bend County Democratic Party called for George’s resignation amid the money laundering charges.
It did not take long for U.S. Representative Troy Nehls, one of Fort Bend County’s most influential Republicans, to weigh-in on George’s sudden switch.
“I think it’s desperation,” said Nehls exclusively in an interview with 2 Investigates.
Nehls made it clear George’s party was done with him, and Republicans are not his savior.
“I think the Democrats are done with him,” Nehls added. “I think they have pretty much pushed him off into the deep water, so now he is just trying to find a life vest, so to speak, and if he thinks the Republican Party is there to save him with all of his legal issues, it’s not going to happen.”
Meyers also released a statement, confirming that he had been in contact with George surrounding the move:
“Judge George reached out to me to let me know about his party affiliation decision.
I work hard to address constituent concerns, which requires collaborating with a lot of folks —Republican, Democrat, Independent, or otherwise — to the benefit of Fort Bend County.
Regardless of Judge George’s party affiliation, I’ll continue to collaborate with him and other members of Commissioners Court for the good of our community."
KPRC 2 spoke with Fort Bend County residents about their thoughts on George switching political
“Honestly, it makes a lot of sense, based off of his political leanings and the values that he focuses on,” said Grace Dunham.
“I don’t know if maybe it’s a re-brand or what, but he’s, I guess, trying something new, so it’s not completely surprising. You know, politicians have done it before,” said Sinclair Pritchard.
“It seems like a little bit of an act of desperation. I think the Democratic party kind of turned on him, and so he’s gonna try to do the Republican side. I don’t think it’s gonna work,” said Jim Dunham.
Democrat Commissioner, Dexter McCoy told KPRC 2 he feels KP George’s time is up as the top official in Fort Bend County.
“I want to be clear. KP George needs to resign from being county judge of Fort Bend County.
McCoy said he has heard about George’s political party switch for months.
“It’s unfortunate because bottom line, no politician is above the law. And I think what we saw today is the county judge’s efforts, his latest efforts at trying to escape prosecution for the serious crimes he’s accused of. And he’s seeking solace in the party that happens to be in control of this state right now,” said McCoy.
Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Bobby Eberle issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Democrat Fort Bend County Judge KP George has left the Democrat Party and now considers himself to be a Republican:
“The news that KP George is now a Republican is certainly stunning but should not be surprising. The Fort Bend County Democrats are a party in disarray, having recently removed their own County Chairman over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. As for KP George, time will tell as to whether this party switch represents a true change of heart.
“In the 2024 elections, Republicans won 77% of the contested, countywide races in Fort Bend, and now, at least on paper, Republicans control Fort Bend County Commissioners Court with a 3-2 majority. This is means the time for talk is over.
“The people of Fort Bend County sent a clear message: they want responsible, conservative leadership focused on results, not rhetoric. We have an opportunity — and a duty — to correct the reckless fiscal policies, backroom politics, and broken priorities that have defined county government for far too long.
“With a Republican majority, the time for action is now. That includes establishing fair and balanced voting maps and correcting the obscenely gerrymandered Commissioners’ precinct lines forced on the county by the Democrats in 2021. We must cut wasteful spending, lower taxes, and restore integrity to the county budget as well.
“With a Republican majority on the court, including Commissioners Andy Meyers and Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County residents can and should expect action. Conservative governance means efficiency, transparency, and putting the people — not politics — first.
“We are ready to lead, and it’s time to get to work.”
Fort Bend County Democrats also released a statement:
“In a move that surprised no one who sees the current state of the Fort Bend County GOP supporting a president convicted of 34 felonies, our own County Judge-who is himself under felony indictment-KP George announced that he was switching parties.
The newly-elected Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chairwoman Jennifer Cantu issued the following statement:
Our Party expects our leaders to hold up the Democratic values of honesty, integrity, and accountability. Judge George’s sudden departure from the Democratic Party when his campaign of outrage and intimidation against the District Attorney and our Courts raises some important questions, and my counterpart in the Republican Party should be concerned about how quickly Judge George has decided to change his affiliation.
While we respect his freedom to associate with those who better accept his current legal situation, it is essential to highlight that our values remain steadfast. Our Party stands for the rule of law, for safe and crime-free communities, for strengthening well-trained and accountable law enforcement agencies, and for justice under the law. In a political climate where integrity is paramount, we will continue to advocate for a government that prioritizes the interests of its constituents over personal gain. We will always welcome those who cannot live up to our values choosing to align themselves with other organizations.
As we move forward, the Fort Bend County Democratic Party remains committed to serving our community and upholding our values. We will continue to support candidates who reflect the principles of justice and equality that define our party."
