HOUSTON – Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Texas denied a petition for mandamus filed by Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton in Harris County’s lawsuit challenging the governor’s ban on mask mandates, allowing Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria to keep in place a policy stating election workers must wear masks in polling places during early voting.
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, who represents Harris County and county officials in the lawsuit, stated:
“I welcome the Texas Supreme Court’s decision. These legal maneuvers don’t serve the public interest, nor to do they promote democracy and the right to vote. I’m glad people will continue to be able to vote in a safe environment, and I encourage Harris County residents to vote in this election and vote early.”
The state filed the petition asking the court to issue an injunction prohibiting Administrator Longoria from enforcing the policy, even though she is not a party to Harris County’s lawsuit. The court’s ruling does not impact Harris County’s claims against Gov. Abbott and Attorney General Paxton to invalidate the governor’s ban on mask mandates.