Harris County, TX, September 24, 2026 – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement in response to former Texas Representative Garnet Coleman’s passing:
“Representative Garnet Coleman impacted the lives of so many Texans, including my own. When I sought mental health treatment in 2023, he was one of the first and most vocal elected leaders to support my decision publicly. His outspokenness on mental health has made it easier for so many of us to acknowledge how common mental illness is. Rep. Coleman spent his career working with Democrats and Republicans on behalf of Texans, particularly through health care and children – notably helping establish Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Texas, as well as fighting to extend state health coverage to foster kids attending college. Our whole community stands together to mourn his loss,” said Judge Hidalgo.
