Interim County Judge Daniel Wong may no longer have legal authority to serve as county judge after the civil lawsuit that led to his appointment was dismissed June 17.
Wong was appointed in April by visiting Judge Jeth Jones after then-County Judge KP George was suspended during a First Amendment lawsuit. It is not immediately clear why Democratic Precinct Chair Sarah Roberts chose to file a Notice of Nonsuit with Prejudice and “to no longer prosecute her claims against Defendant K.P. George.”
Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy argues that because the lawsuit has been disposed of, Wong’s appointment automatically expired and he is no longer a legally seated member of Commissioners Court. He has requested legal opinions from both the county attorney and district attorney ahead of Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting.
Wong, the Republican nominee for county judge in November, has continued performing official duties and posting on county judge social media accounts. Wong’s Communications Director, Bobby Eberle says Judge Jeth Jones ruling still stands. “One thing is for certain. Judge Wong is still Judge Wong. A desire from the plaintiff to end the case does not end the case. The judge still needs to take action on the dismissal request. Until that happens, Judge Wong retains the office and full legal authority to execute the duties of that office.”
Meanwhile, George remains suspended from office despite the dismissal of the civil case. His attorney, Jared Woodfill, confirmed a court order continues to bar George from returning while appeals related to his felony conviction proceed.
McCoy said any actions taken by Commissioners Court with Wong participating could face legal challenges if Wong lacks authority to serve. He suggested the county may revert to having the court’s most senior member, Commissioner Grady Prestage, serve as presiding officer in the absence of a county judge.
The issue could come to a head at Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting, where Wong’s status is expected to be addressed. Questions remain about what happens next if Wong’s appointment is determined to have ended with the dismissal of the civil case.
McCoy has said Commissioners Court can continue operating without a county judge, with Commissioner Grady Prestage serving as presiding officer.
Others have suggested that District Judge Maggie Jaramillo, who suspended George from office following his felony money laundering conviction, could have authority to appoint an interim replacement, similar to the appointment made by Judge Jeth Jones during the civil proceedings.
If commissioners are ultimately required to vote on a replacement, the court’s current political makeup could complicate matters. With two Republican and two Democratic commissioners, any appointment could result in a deadlock, potentially triggering additional legal or procedural questions about how a vacancy should be filled. Local officials have pointed to provisions in local government code that could ultimately give Governor Greg Abbott the tie breaking vote.
The uncertainty raises the possibility that Wong could remain in the position through a new appointment process, while other names could also emerge as potential candidates.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions over legal representation and authority within county government. Wong and Republican commissioners have challenged the role of County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson as legal counsel to Commissioners Court and have relied on outside attorney J. Grady Randle in several high-profile county matters, including the 2025 redistricting dispute.
Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson as well as the District Attorney’s office plan to provide legal opinions. It is not immediately clear when they will be available.