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Protests Greet Daniel Wong’s Appointment as Interim Fort Bend County Judge

The lawful interim pick places a candidate on the November ballot in the county’s top post, raising concerns about fairness.

Overview

  • Interim Judge Daniel Wong presided over his first commissioners court meeting as protesters outside and inside condemned the move as cutting out voters.
  • A visiting judge from Galveston County used state law that allows temporary appointments after suspending elected Judge KP George through a civil removal case.
  • County commissioners approved more than $52,000 in pay for the suspended George through June because the suspension order did not say whether he should keep receiving a salary.
  • Wong is the Republican nominee for the seat, and critics say holding the office now gives him an edge, while a Rice University political scientist called the process legal but uncommon with risks to public trust.
  • Wong named congressional candidate Trever Nehls as chief of staff and tapped Republican official Bobby Eberle for communications, staffing choices opponents say blend campaign politics with county work.