Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is facing significant criticism following an incident that occurred during the Megan Moroney concert at the Houston Rodeo. Reports indicate that she attempted to access a premium seating area for which she did not possess a valid ticket.
According to sources, during the sold-out event on March 10, Judge Hidalgo sought to enter the dirt area of the venue without the required chute seat ticket, which is priced at $425. She was allegedly accompanied by several guests who also lacked the necessary tickets. Rodeo security intervened, informing her that access to the dirt area was restricted to ticket holders only and subsequently directed her group back to their designated seating.
The incident has sparked a wave of online backlash, including a satirical illustration shared by the Houston Police Officers’ Union. The image depicted a woman resembling Hidalgo being escorted by an officer while proclaiming, “I’m the County Judge.” The union’s post included a disclaimer stating the illustration was intended as satire, with hashtags suggesting that Harris County deserves better leadership.
In response to the criticism, Judge Hidalgo took to social media to share her perspective on the situation. She stated that she had previously been allowed access to the dirt area without a wristband due to the county’s relationship with the rodeo. The judge emphasized that she was at the concert accompanied by another elected official, their children, and the parents of a deceased U.S. Air Force sergeant.
Hidalgo recounted that she was forcibly removed from the dirt area by rodeo committee members, and expressed concern over the treatment of her guests, including the young children. In her letter to the rodeo leadership, she articulated her disappointment with how the situation unfolded and questioned whether the same actions would have been taken if she were a male county executive.
“I am bringing this to the public’s attention because last night was not reflective of the spirit of the rodeo, and I hope it doesn’t ever happen to anyone again,” she wrote. “Would they have reacted the same way if I had been a male county executive?”
