February Commerce Club Featuring a Panel Discussion with Harris County Judge Candidates

May 26, 2026

in Port Bureau News, Newest Edition,

Candidates Dutt, Parker, Lancton, and Orlando Discuss Their Priorities for Harris County Judge Position

Annise Parker (D), Aliza Dutt (R), Orlando Sanchez (R), and Marty Lancton (R)

The Greater Houston Port Bureau presented an informative panel discussion session with Harris County Judge candidates at its February Commerce Club luncheon. Vincent DiCosimo, senior vice president of government affairs at Targa Resources and chairman of the Port Bureau, served as moderator.

Kicking off the event, DiCosimo also highlighted the strength of the port region and the Port Bureau’s continued growth as it approaches its 100-year anniversary. Despite challenges in 2025, the region saw strong performance across cargo, energy, and cruise sectors, reinforcing the Houston Ship Channel’s role as a key economic driver.

The featured panel included Aliza Dutt (R), Marty Lancton (R), Annise Parker (D), and Orlando Sanchez (R). The candidates discussed their unique experience and introduced their goals based on four areas of concern presented by the moderator:

Their first priority in the role of the Harris County Judge position;
Managing Harris County budget priorities – which includes such vital concerns as public safety, emergency management, and infrastructure -- without raising taxes;
The role of Harris County Judge in coordinating the interaction required with federal, state, and local government in emergency management activities; and
Workforce development.

In response, candidates broadly emphasized the importance of ensuring safe communities, supporting law enforcement, and improving coordination across the county’s numerous agencies. They also discussed the need for improved budget management by examining fiscal responsibility, identifying inefficiencies, and prioritizing essential services such as infrastructure, emergency management, and flood control. Strategies to sustain economic growth and workforce development ranged from investing in training programs and maintaining a business-friendly environment to strengthening workforce pipelines, particularly in skilled trades and technical fields.

Aliza Dutt, previously a seasoned energy analyst at IHS Energy, currently serves as the mayor of Piney Point located just west of Houston. Patrick “Marty” Lancton, a longtime firefighter and president of the Houston Fire Fighters Association, has spent over two decades serving the community in civic and charitable initiatives. Annise Parker served six years as Houston Mayor, after serving terms as an at-large Houston City Council member and city controller. Orlando Sanchez served as treasurer for Harris County for almost 12 years and as a Houston City Council member for six years.