Jacqueline Lucci Smith

2026 Republican nominee for Harris County Attorney. Former judge, common sense conservative, fierce advocate who will fight for all of Harris County.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

I’ve served Harris County as an Assistant County Attorney, legal counsel in the Harris County Tax Office, and as a judge. I know what this office is supposed to do because I’ve done the work.

The County Attorney’s Office should not be a platform for political ambition. It should provide sound legal advice, protect taxpayers, support public safety, and ensure county government follows the law.

I’m the only candidate in this race with direct experience inside the Harris County Attorney’s Office and the proven leadership to step in on day one and get the job done.

Watch and learn why I’m running to get Harris County back on the right track.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Memorial Day has always carried deep meaning for my family.

My father served as a flight surgeon during World War II and took part in the Berlin Airlift. My grandfather served in the Cavalry during World War I. My uncle also served in WWII, and service to our country continued through the next generations with my brother retiring from Navy JAG and my nephew retiring from the United States Air Force.

Today, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and the freedoms we cherish. Their sacrifice reminds us that liberty is never free, and their legacy calls each of us to live with gratitude, humility, and service to others.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Abbie Kamin is leaving Houston City Council after years of supporting the same failed, politically driven policies that weakened public safety, created legal chaos, and nearly cost Houston taxpayers more than $114 million in critical funding.

Now, instead of being held accountable, she’s being rewarded with even greater authority as Harris County Attorney.

Harris County deserves better than ideological activism and political theater. This office demands legal judgment, courtroom experience, disciplined leadership, and the ability to protect taxpayers while supporting law enforcement and the rule of law.

I’ve spent my career serving Harris County as a judge, Assistant County Attorney, and legal counsel inside county government. I understand the responsibility of this office and the real-world consequences of bad decisions.

This election is about restoring professionalism, accountability, and lawful governance before more damage is done. I am committed to these principles and to providing Harris County with proven leadership grounded in results, not rhetoric.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Last night, I enjoyed the opportunity to join PAVE (Positive Advocates for Voter Engagement) and speak directly with voters from across our community about the future of Harris County and the importance of restoring professionalism, accountability, and equal justice under the law.

These conversations matter. Meeting people where they are, listening to their concerns, and sharing a clear vision for principled leadership is how we build trust across our county. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and look forward to many more conversations like this in the weeks ahead!

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Texas law is clear, and it exists to protect both employees and taxpayers. Any attempt to bypass it, especially through pressure tactics like unsolicited messages or materials left on vehicles, is unacceptable. County employees deserve transparency, respect, and true choice, not coercion or confusion.

[Holly Hansen @hollyshansen]

Texas Sen. Bettencourt of Houston weighs in on Harris County employees receiving messages requesting authorization to automatically deduct union dues.

Flyers left on vehicles at county employee parking lots.

[Team Bettencourt @TeamBettencourt]

Texas is a Right-to-Work state. The State or political subdivision of the State aka a county, cannot use collective bargaining contracts with a labor organization. This Harris County activity appears to be an attempt to go around that fact. When you hear about labor union cards and fliers on employees cars, this seems to be coercive tactics and not voluntary association. This is something that the #txlege needs to look into. Starting with the @TXAG @KenPaxtonTX issued Opinion KP-0310 from 2020.

https://t.co/p8dGhJViwx

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Defying the law just cost Houston $114M in public safety funding, and now we’re supposed to call that leadership?

This was a reckless, agenda-driven policy from the start.

And now one of its leading advocates has been installed as County Attorney.

Harris County deserves better judgment.

[Greg Groogan @GrooganFox26]

On “What’s Your Point?” We heard Council Member @AbbieKamin plead w/ City leaders to defy Governor @GregAbbott_TX’s threatened clawback of $114 M state dollars triggered by the since repealed @houstonpolice anti-ICE Sanctuary policy. “If we roll over to a bully, what will he come for next?” @FOX26Houston more at https://t.co/yazhH5cpkF

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Great to be with the Village Republican Women at this week’s luncheon. The energy in the room was strong, and it’s clear there is real engagement and momentum building across the community.

I’m grateful for the conversations, the thoughtful discussion on the issues, and the commitment so many have to staying informed and involved. Looking forward to continuing the dialogue and seeing that momentum carry forward.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Houston City Council Overwhelmingly Rejects Catch & Release Policy that Would Cost $114 Million for Public Safety

Yesterday’s vote in Houston City Council underscores a fundamental divide in how we approach public safety, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of government.

Without question, protecting constitutional rights and supporting law enforcement are not competing priorities. They go hand in hand. The law provides the framework for both, and it requires clarity, consistency, and coordination, not policies that ignore common sense and tie the hands of law enforcement.

We cannot ignore the reality that the catch and release policy this country endured created an immigration crisis that has put the safety of our communities at risk. When criminal acts are committed by individuals in this country unlawfully, law enforcement must have the ability to detain, coordinate, and ensure those individuals are held accountable within the legal process. That is not political, that is the basic function of public safety.

This ordinance, as originally advanced, prevented law enforcement from exercising the discretion essential to ensure our safety and put illegal immigrants in a class above the rest of us. In doing so, it placed officers in difficult positions, hindered coordination between agencies, and forced officers to release individuals who had already been adjudicated with final deportation orders to be released back into our communities without investigation.

We cannot lose sight of victims and the high price of this reckless policy. The innocent men, women, and families who have suffered from the unwillingness of a few political antagonists to follow the law, deserve a voice in this conversation. They deserve justice, and they deserve leadership that prioritizes their safety above political agendas.

Houston Police officers deserve our full support, not policies that leave them second-guessing how to act in critical moments. The people of Houston deserve leadership grounded in the law and focused on keeping communities safe.

I am proud to stand with law enforcement, with the Constitution, and with the citizens of Harris County.

Leadership requires the discipline to get these decisions right, and the courage to correct course when they are not. Thank you Houston City Council for rejecting a misguided attempt to put politics over safety.

[Tom Ramsey @TomSRamsey2]

Appointing a candidate to the office they are currently seeking seems to be a blatant advantage. Despite my vote against it, Commissioners Court has once again undermined the trust of Harris County residents.

Ultimately, the voters—not the Court—will decide our next County Attorney this November.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

https://t.co/O6RfEXMPDe

[Team Bettencourt @TeamBettencourt]

Great event last night with Lt. Gov. @DanPatrick supporting @StanStanart for the Texas House! The Lt. Governor made a critical point about the math this November: that party unity is absolutely essential to defeating Democrats. If even just 10% of Cornyn and Paxton voters refuse to support the other candidate as the Republican nominee, the ripple effect will heavily impact our down-ballot races. As "Uncle Paul" likes to say, "We need to recognize the obvious", that we're running against leftist progressives in the 21st century because those candidates are the ones winning the Democratic primaries by and large.

Protecting a conservative majority means electing those who know how to govern with integrity. I’ve had the privilege of working with Stan, and I know firsthand that his expertise on elections is second to none. We need his knowledge in Austin to push strong election integrity bills across the finish line. He will do a fantastic job for Texas!

Literally, two great conservative State Representatives: @ValoreeforTexas and @RepSchofield, showed up to help me on the successful fundraising appeal, and it shows they know we need Stan in Austin too!

P.S. Wonderful news that @NormaJeter is on the mend—we are all very happy about that!

[Harris County GOP @HarrisCountyRP]

We’re proud to launch the Joint Judicial Campaign with Two Steppin’ to Victory — a night that brings our community together to support electing Republican judges across Harris County.

These races matter for public safety, for families, and for the future of our community.

Join us for an evening of live music, dancing, and building momentum heading into November. 🤠

🎟️ Secure your spot:
https://t.co/e0o2o4LdPN

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Harris County residents deserve transparency, accountability, and respect for the law; not backroom political maneuvering.

There are growing reports that Commissioners Court may attempt to appoint my opponent as County Attorney, placing her in office without a vote of the people. This comes after she helped advance policies that have already cost Houston $110 million in public safety funding.

If this happens, it raises serious concerns. The same Commissioners Court that allowed the previous County Attorney to remain in office while running for Congress is now considering removing the interim attorney to install a political ally.

That decision would have real consequences for the office itself. The County Attorney’s Office manages complex legal matters affecting public safety, taxpayer resources, and county operations. It requires experience, sound judgment, and the ability to lead a large legal team effectively.

This is not about governance: it is about control.

The County Attorney’s Office exists to serve the people of Harris County, not to protect political agendas or provide an advantage in an upcoming election. Harris County deserves leadership that is accountable to voters, not appointed to avoid them.

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

The consequences are no longer theoretical.

Houston has now lost $110 million in public safety funding, exactly the risk that was raised from the beginning.

As Mayor @whitmire_john makes clear, the policy that was working was scrapped in favor of a radical political agenda pushed by Abbie Kamin and a small group of council members.

The law was clear. The warnings were clear. They were ignored.

Harris County deserves leadership that understands the law, respects its limits, and puts public safety first.

[Harris County GOP @HarrisCountyRP]

We warned this would happen — and now Houston is paying the price.

❌ Ordinance passed
❌ Law enforcement undermined
❌ $110 MILLION in public safety funding on the line

Now City Council is scrambling to fix it on Friday — and Harris County could be next.

🚨 THIS IS YOUR MOMENT

👉 Make your voice heard:

📍 Houston City Council (Friday): Call 832-393-1100 or email [email protected] OR contact your Council Member: https://t.co/V7Jh6PDXzv

📍 Commissioners Court (Thursday): Sign up: https://t.co/RS8aKtAbs5 OR email: [email protected]

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

https://t.co/hYzeyKBR2D

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Great to be with the Energy Corridor Patriots this weekend. I appreciate the strong turnout and the commitment this group brings to staying engaged and making a difference! There’s real momentum building, and I’m glad to be working alongside y'all as we head toward November!

[Holly Hansen @hollyshansen]

More from Smith: https://t.co/XEYaAjjstW

[Jacqueline Lucci Smith @Smith4HarrisCty]

Military service is a legal obligation tied to defending this country. Voting is a constitutional right that requires clear standards and integrity.

Abbie Kamin’s childish comment dismisses that distinction - she's perfectly willing to treat serious legal responsibilities as political talking points.

Harris County needs a County Attorney who understands the difference, and respects both the law and the institutions that protect it.