Harris County Judge Candidates Address Issues Important to Older Adults

Harris County voters will select their next county judge in the November 3, 2026, general election. The candidates are Letitia Plummer, the Democratic nominee, and Orlando Sanchez, the Republican nominee.

Although the title includes the word “judge,” the Harris County judge serves as the county’s chief executive, presides over Commissioners Court, and plays a central role in emergency management. These responsibilities can directly affect the safety, financial security, and quality of life of older adults and their families.

To help voters learn where candidates stand, AARP Texas invited both candidates to answer the same three questions on issues important to older adults: the ability to age in place, protection during natural disasters, and support for working family caregivers.

AARP is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates or contribute to political campaigns. AARP’s voter engagement work helps voters learn where candidates stand on issues that matter to people age 50 and older and their families.

Question 1: Helping Older Adults Age in Place

Most people want to remain in their homes and communities as they grow older. Accomplishing that goal can depend on access to safe housing, reliable transportation, health services, and other community resources.

AARP Texas asked:

As the county’s chief executive, how would you work to ensure that older adults in Harris County can age in place?

Question 2: Protecting Older Adults During Disasters

Natural disasters and severe weather can create heightened risks for older adults, particularly those with mobility challenges, medical needs, or limited access to transportation and support services.

Emergency management is one of the county judge’s core responsibilities.

AARP Texas asked:

Emergency preparedness is a key responsibility of the county judge. How would you ensure older adults are prepared for and protected during and after natural disasters?

Question 3: Supporting Working Family Caregivers

AARP reports that 63 million Americans — about one in four adults — are family caregivers, a nearly 50% increase since 2015. Seven in 10 family caregivers are employed, and many face workplace disruptions as they try to balance paid work with caregiving responsibilities.

In Texas, AARP reports that 23% of adults — approximately 5.3 million people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid support to older parents, spouses and other loved ones. AARP has also estimated the economic value of unpaid family caregiving in Texas at $65 billion annually.

AARP Texas asked:

Many family caregivers balance work while caring for an aging loved one. How would you support and improve caregiver workplace benefits, such as flexible schedules, respite assistance, paid leave, or other support services for working family caregivers?