McCoy leads Wong by 2,140 votes in Fort Bend County judge race

Dexter McCoy is leading Daniel Wong in the race for Fort Bend County judge, according to unofficial election results released Tuesday night. McCoy, the outgoing Precinct 4 Commissioner, holds the advantage over Wong, who currently serves as the county judge.

The path to this election has been marked by legal and political instability in the suburban county outside of Houston. Former two-term County Judge KP George was convicted of federal money laundering. He was suspended from office in April, a move that intensified disputes among elected officials.

Following George's suspension, a visiting Galveston County district judge appointed Republican nominee Daniel Wong as interim county judge. A legal question soon divided the Commissioners Court regarding whether Wong had the authority to remain in office. The Fort Bend County Attorney's Office filed a lawsuit challenging Wong's standing. County court records indicate that trial is still scheduled for December.

The conflict has expanded beyond the judgeship. Partisan clashes have emerged among elected officials. The county attorney's office has brought legal challenges against Republican commissioners. Multiple lawsuits are currently deepening the divide over who holds the authority to serve as county judge.

If McCoy maintains his lead, he will assume control of county operations and the budget. The county judge presides over the Commissioners Court and oversees non-elected department heads. The office also signs county contracts, leads the emergency management department, and serves on several county boards.