Mayor John Whitmire said his comments about County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mental health were not intended to be political. He speculated last week that she didn’t plan to run for another term, while her office said a decision hadn’t been made.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a press conference on Wednesday that his comments about Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mental health and his assertion that she wouldn’t run for another term were not intended to be political.
“I did not say anything concerning her ability to do her job,” Whitmire said. “I was sympathetic that she’s got a tough job, and I said it’s tough, particularly when you have come public and said that you have personal challenges. I was being as sympathetic as another human can be.”
Whitmire told the Houston Chronicle last week that Hidalgo was “not enjoying her work,” adding “she’s obviously documented some of her emotional issues, which, this is a terrible profession to be in if you’re struggling with pressure.” He also said he heard Hidalgo wouldn’t run for another term and added that former Houston Mayor Annise Parker “would make a great county judge.”…