Drama-plagued Texas judge announces she's stepping back from work because she has a SORE THROAT

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Thursday evening that she will limit her public appearances and be less visible in the community for the next several weeks while recovering from mononucleosis, commonly known as mono.

In a lengthy social media post, the 35-year-old Democratic judge explained that she had been dealing with a lingering sore throat and intense fatigue. Lab results received around 8 p.m. confirmed the diagnosis. Her doctor advised rest as the only treatment to ensure a quick recovery and prevent complications.

Hidalgo noted that she had initially attributed her symptoms to exhaustion and continued her usual community interactions. She emphasized that mono is not spread through casual contact and shared the news to be transparent about her reduced schedule. Health officials indicate that recovery from the viral illness, primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, generally takes four to six weeks. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, headaches, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

The judge assured the public that her team would represent her when necessary and that she remains fully available and reachable, especially in emergencies. She added that she might not have her normal stamina but expects to return to her regular level of activity after a period of limited engagements.

The announcement came hours after Hidalgo was seen wearing a KN95 mask at a Commissioners Court meeting.

The post drew sharp criticism online, with many commenters accusing her of laziness, entitlement, or questioning her fitness for office. Some suggested her reduced visibility would make little difference or referenced past controversies.

Hidalgo made history in 2018 as the first woman and first Latina elected Harris County judge. She has faced repeated public scrutiny during her tenure. This includes a photo that surfaced showing her appearing to browse resale tickets for an upcoming soccer match on her laptop during an official meeting. She also drew attention after an incident at the Houston Rodeo, where she and guests were denied access to the floor for a sold-out concert because they lacked $425 premium tickets. Hidalgo claimed staff manhandled her and suggested racial bias, while rodeo officials stated her team had already received nearly $9,000 in free floor tickets for prior shows and that she was asked to return to the county suite.

Additional past controversies include a revealing Vogue essay about her then-husband in which she discussed her clinical depression and his financial support for her treatment, as well as the couple’s separation announced on their first wedding anniversary. In August 2023, she took a nine-week leave from the bench for outpatient mental health treatment.

Hidalgo stated she chose to disclose the mono diagnosis to explain her temporary step back and committed to transparency if her condition affects her work further.