Texas Judge Orders New Election for Harris County Judicial Seat

The number of illegal votes counted in the 2022 election ‘cast doubt on the true outcome,’ the judge found.

A person prepares to cast their ballot during early primary voting at the Metropolitan-Multi Service Center in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 25, 2022. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

A Texas judge has ordered Harris County to hold a new election for judge in the 180th District Court following a lawsuit filed by Republican candidate Tami Pierce, who lost by fewer than 450 votes in a race against Democrat Judge DaSean Jones in 2022.

Visiting Judge David Peeples of Bexar County issued the order on May 15 in the 165th District Court, citing illegal and disqualified votes cast after hours during the midterm elections on Nov. 8, 2022.