Houston Daily: Primaries Heat Up, New Flood Maps, Big Win for Rice

Early voting underway as Harris County judge race takes center stage

Early voting for the March 3 primary is in full swing across Harris County, with vote centers open daily through February 27. Residents can cast ballots at any county vote center during the early voting period, with hours generally running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days.

The highest-profile local contest is the open race for Harris County judge. With the incumbent stepping aside, former Houston mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer are the leading contenders in the Democratic primary, while a crowded Republican field is also vying for the job. A recent public poll suggests Parker is currently favored among Democratic voters, though both parties still face competitive down-ballot contests.

Election officials continue to stress basic rules: voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot at the polls and present an accepted form of photo identification. County election websites are providing sample ballots, vote center maps and details for residents who still need to plan when and where they will vote.

New FEMA flood maps could change insurance for thousands

New proposed federal flood maps for Harris County are drawing close attention from homeowners, lenders and local officials. The draft maps, released for public review, would update how flood risk is defined across the Houston area following years of major storms and new modeling work.

Preliminary analysis suggests that some neighborhoods could see their risk category upgraded, potentially requiring flood insurance for the first time, while others may see reduced risk levels. Local experts say residents should use the new online tools to look up their addresses and see how the proposed changes might affect their insurance costs and building requirements.

Officials emphasize that these maps are not yet final. There will be a formal comment and appeals period, and residents are encouraged to submit feedback if they believe the maps do not accurately reflect conditions on the ground.

Rice University wins $18 million to transform disease detection

Rice University has secured an $18 million federal award aimed at revolutionizing the detection of lymphatic diseases. The multi-year grant will support a cross-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers working to develop new tools that can spot problems in the lymphatic system earlier and less invasively.

Researchers say the effort could eventually lead to faster diagnosis for conditions that now often go unnoticed until they become severe. The project will be based at Rice's Synthesis X Center and will draw on expertise from bioengineering, imaging and data science, reinforcing Houston's broader role as a national hub for medical innovation.

The award adds to a growing list of large research initiatives anchored in the city's universities and the Texas Medical Center, with potential long-term benefits for both local patients and the regional economy.

Sources

https://www.harrisvotes.com/
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/what-houston-voters-need-know-2026-primary
https://communityimpact.com/houston/cypress/election/2025/12/09/26-candidates-file-in-7-contested-harris-county-races-for-2026-primary/
https://www.houstonpress.com/news/poll-points-to-parker-as-the-next-harris-county-judge/
https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/dateline-rice-feb-18-2026