Convenience Big Store: Exclusive: Harris County judge GOP candidate ruled union through fear, critics say

February 15, 2026

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⛅ Temperature check: High of 70; low of 54. Forecast: Sunday brings cool and pleasant weather. Don't get used to it, though. Warmer weather is on the way.

Plus: How weather this year decided the fate of Texas crawfish season.

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Marty Lancton speaks during his campaign kickoff event for Harris County Judge held at the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341Union Hall in Houston Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

Exclusive: Firefighters warn GOP candidate would bring culture of fear to Harris County judge office.

Patrick "Marty" Lancton's political rise from outspoken leader of the local firefighters' union to Republican candidate for Harris County judge has drawn scrutiny from critics. The job includes overseeing a $2.8 billion budget, nearly 22,000 employees and the county's disaster response.

Three former firefighter union officials and one current member told the Houston Chronicle that Lancton's election as Local 341 president a decade ago ushered in an era characterized by intimidation and retaliation. Lancton and union officials deny the claims.

"If you dared to speak up, you got squashed," a retired 30-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department said. "You got pushed out of the union, labeled a troublemaker, and everybody else learned to keep their mouth shut."

2

Protest planned to help save the Garden Oaks Theater on Shepherd.

Arthouse Houston, an outgrowth of the non-profit that aided in coordinating the effort to save the River Oaks Theatre, is organizing the demonstration set for this afternoon.

3

How HISD's Yates High School has endured 100 years.

Jack Yates High School — the second high school established for Black students in Houston ISD — celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.

Plus: How alumni remember the historic school in its 100th year.

4

New poll shows Abbott-backed candidates trailing in Texas GOP primaries.

A University of Houston poll suggests Gov. Greg Abbott's endorsements may not be enough, with his preferred candidates trailing in two statewide Republican primaries.

5

SpaceX's Starbase looking to triple in size by annexing 7,000+ acres.

The South Texas rocket city will take up annexation plans this week. Much of the land falls within the boundaries of a national wildlife refuge.

6

Five years later, is the Texas power grid still at risk of winter blackouts?

In 2021, the ERCOT power grid shockingly gave out for days amid extreme cold. If Texas saw the same frigid temperatures, would the grid fail again?

7

Asia Society Texas kicks off Lunar New Year celebration with color, tradition.

The Lunar New Year, otherwise known as Chinese New Year, falls on Tuesday. It will be the Year of the Horse.

🏀 Sports

Houston center Cedric Lath (8) reacts are forcing a Kansas State turnover during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Fertitta Center in Houston, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Cougars: UH took down Kansas State on Saturday to win the team's 41st straight game against an unranked opponent.
Astros: Joey Loperfido arrived at spring training in Florida feeling relief and pride after a trade brought him back to Houston. Plus: Jose Altuve is back at second base and Framber Valdez posted a farewell message to fans.
Rockets: Even in his 19th NBA season, Kevin Durant's pregame warmup features the same vigor displayed in games and sharpens a skill set few players have.
Olympics: The U.S. men's hockey team remained unbeaten after routing Denmark. Plus: Pasadena's Emily Chan fulfills her childhood dream as she begins competition in pairs figure skating today.

🗣️ Opinion

A state senator who has tackled complex issues in the Legislature and flipped a red seat in North Texas, state Sen. Nathan Johnson is Democrats' best option in the primary for attorney general, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board endorses Barbara Denson and Audrey Young for State Board of Education in the Republican primary, and Tiffany Perkinz and Dana Van de Walker in the Democratic primary.
Endorsement: Though often more interested in partisan battles than public service, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin delivers for his constituents in the 36th District, and for our coastal communities.
Doug Rogers is a forensic accountant. He wants to bring his investigative talents to Congress and fight for the little guy in the 36th District, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
Experience and specialization in probate law give the incumbent James Horwitz the edge in the Democratic primary's Harris County Probate 4 race, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
The Fort Bend ISD school board's Adam Schoof is the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board's pick for County Commissioner Precinct 4 in the Republican primary.
The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board recommends Democratic primary voters support Marquette Greene-Scott, a civil attorney and mayor pro tem of Iowa Colony, who is running for a second time in the 22nd District.

Construction is underway on a lighted outdoor archery range at Conroe's Owen Park, bringing a new activity to the flood-prone park along the San Jacinto River.

Texas Field Archery Association Hall of Fame member Toby Ragsdale says a lit range capable of hosting nighttime public events will offer a rare experience for local archers.

The city plans to open the range this spring.