Convenience Big Store: Former Democratic DA Kim Ogg seeks job in Trump's administration

June 23, 2025

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Good morning, Houston!

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Now, some news to start your day.

1

Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg speaks during a Kingwood Tea Party meeting in September, 2024, in Atascocita.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg calls herself 'bad Democrat' in quest for job in Trump administration

Once a Democratic darling, Ogg was voted out after two contentious terms

In a speech two weeks ago to the Log Cabin Republicans of Houston, former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg confirmed what had been only a rumor: She's thrown her hat in the ring to be President Donald Trump's top federal prosecutor for the Houston area.

The grievance-laden speech slammed former mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat; accused the current District Attorney of dismissing a corruption case to "protect the people above;" repeatedly lobbed derisive criticisms at an array of Black and Latino politicians; and briefly mentioned a case Ogg was recently ordered not to talk about by a district court judge.

"My dad, who was a conservative Democrat, used to say the best government is a split government. I don't know that I would say that now. Now what I would tell you is the Republicans need to carry Harris County in 2026," said Ogg in a recording of the speech obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

Once a darling of the Democratic Party, Ogg's bid for the coveted political post caps a remarkable political reversal years in the making.

2

Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Texas' THC ban, saving the hemp industry in a rare break with lawmakers.

The governor issued the veto less than an hour before the deadline late Sunday night and did not immediately issue a statement.

3

How Kelly Hancock plans to manage being acting state comptroller, while also running for the statewide office.

Officially, Hancock will be the chief clerk of the comptroller's office. Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday made clear that he wants Hancock in the job, but by not officially naming Hancock the actual state comptroller, Abbott was able to bypass the law that says a state lawmaker who still has time left on his term can't be appointed to a statewide elective office.

4

Fact check: Is California's homicide rate lower than some southern states'?

California has more homicides than any state, but it also has the largest population, meaning its rate might not be as high as elsewhere. Here's what we know.

5

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour is coming to Houston.

Here's your ultimate guide for the shows. Plus, check out the brand new Beyoncé mural in town.

6

Invasive Asian needle ants have been spotted in Texas.

The sting's effects vary from person to person, but it has been known to cause potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

7

Some Harris County Democrats want to oust Houston Mayor John Whitmire from the party.

The group criticized Whitmire for attending a fundraiser for a Republican congressman, the city's apparent cooperation with the Trump administration's immigration agents and budget concerns, among other things.

💬 Quote of the Day

“

Sometimes people ask me, 'Hey, Doc, what scares you more than anything else?' And often they're surprised when I say yellow fever. There's nothing that can devastate a community and spread fear among a population like yellow fever.

– Vaccine researcher Peter Hotez on his concerns about a yellow fever outbreak in Brazil and what that means for the U.S.

”

Sports

Rockets: Does Kevin Durant make the Rockets a title contender? Plus, here's how KD will fit in Houston's lineup.
Astros: As slugger Yordan Alvarez remains sidelined, GM Dana Brown said a left-handed hitter is a "big issue" ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

🗣️ Opinion

'Trump has long been critical of previous presidents for getting the U.S. involved in

The Editorial Board asks: What is President Donald Trump's goal with a war with Iran?
Houston business leaders Matt Sigelman and Steve Kean argue that good Houston jobs shouldn't always require a degree.
Op-Ed Editor Lisa Gray wants to know what about America you're celebrating this Fourth of July?
The disarray in the Democratic party leadership may be showing that they're coming to their senses, writes Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch.

📰 In Case You Missed It

See which Houston neighborhoods are gaining — and losing — the most residents.
Houston police handed out 170 citations during their traffic crackdown on 288 and South Loop.
Hurricane forecasters are watching a new system in the Atlantic for potential tropical development.
Jessica Rossman's brother is offering $100,000 for information about her death.
Houston's iconic Graffiti Park is officially no more.

📅 Events at the Chronicle

EVENT: Retiring Texas A&M Chancellor on his career in politics, higher ed

Chronicle columnist Lisa Falkenberg sits down with John Sharp to discuss his storied career in politics and higher education, most recently as Texas A&M chancellor.

Let me leave you with a final suggestion: Go cool off in one of these rooftop pools before the summer heat gets too terrible.