Legal Dispute Emerges Over Daniel Wong’s Authority to Continue Serving as Interim Fort Bend County Judge

A new legal dispute has emerged regarding whether Daniel Wong can continue serving as Interim Fort Bend County Judge following the revelation that the lawsuit that led to his appointment was dropped.

In a statement released on June 24, Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage said that Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson advised members of Commissioners Court that the legal basis for Wong’s appointment no longer exists.

“Yesterday, I and my fellow Commissioners were formally advised by County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson that the legal basis for Daniel Wong’s appointment as interim judge is no longer valid,” Prestage stated. “According to state law, there are now only four members of the Commissioners Court with legal authority to hold office and conduct county business. As the most senior member of Commissioners Court, I will be responsible for presiding over county business until a replacement is made.”

The controversy centers on Wong’s appointment through a civil lawsuit seeking the removal of former County Judge K.P. George. Following George’s sentencing, the lawsuit was withdrawn on June 17.

Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair Dr. Jennifer Cantu argued that the dismissal of the lawsuit ended Wong’s temporary appointment.

“Wong was appointed as part of a civil lawsuit seeking the removal of former County Judge K.P. George. After George’s sentencing, the lawsuit was withdrawn on June 17, ending Wong’s temporary appointment,” Cantu said. “We know that now Commissioner Prestage, as the most senior member of Commissioners Court, will preside over county business as required by state law.”

Cantu further stated that Wong’s appointment was over “not because Democrats said so, but because the law said so,” adding that his appointment had been surrounded by legal questions and controversy since it began.

However, Wong’s supporters strongly disagree with that interpretation.

A member of Wong’s team issued a statement contending that the County Attorney’s legal opinion carries no legal force.

“The County Attorney’s opinion cites no section of Texas law and carries no weight whatsoever. County Judge Daniel Wong is the County Judge,” the statement read. “In accordance with the Texas Constitution and state laws, Judge Wong will continue to execute his lawful duties and faithfully represent the people of Fort Bend County.”

The statement further argued that while the County Attorney referenced the court order that appointed Wong, she cited no document that removed him from office.

A recent post on the Daniel Wong for Fort Bend County Judge Facebook page echoed that position.

“County Judge Daniel Wong continues to be the County Judge for Fort Bend County,” the post stated. “His appointment remains in effect, and County Judge Wong will continue to serve the people and execute the duties of the office.”

Meanwhile, County Attorney Smith-Lawson provided written legal guidance to Commissioners Court outlining her office’s position.

“The order officially concluded the litigation and dissolved the temporary appointment. Consequently, Mr. Wong no longer possesses the legal authority to act as County Judge,” Smith-Lawson wrote.

She further advised that the four elected county commissioners currently constitute a legal quorum capable of conducting county business without a presiding county judge.

“Mr. Wong cannot legally participate in Commissioners Court meetings or hold himself out as the current judge unless he secures and presents a new, active court order,” she stated.

Smith-Lawson emphasized that her office’s guidance was based solely on legal considerations.

“The guidance from this office is based entirely on Texas law, free from partisan politics. It would be irresponsible for the County to ignore the existence of the non-suit, which could expose the County to unnecessary risk.”

Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy, who is also Wong’s opponent in the upcoming election for County Judge, also weighed in on the matter.

“Mr. Wong will be on the ballot in front of voters in a few months. His attempts to stay in office at all costs are a clear indication that he knows what their verdict will be,” McCoy said.

McCoy argued that the dismissal of the litigation automatically ended Wong’s temporary appointment and called on county leaders to focus on governing rather than political disputes.

“The rule of law is a cornerstone of American democracy, and the law is crystal clear in this case,” McCoy said. “Fort Bend County residents deserve much better.”

As legal interpretations continue to clash, questions remain about who has the lawful authority to serve as Fort Bend County Judge until a permanent replacement is selected or elected.

So, we want to hear from The Block readers:

Should Daniel Wong legally be allowed to continue serving as Interim Fort Bend County Judge after this new revelation?

Chime in!