Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman has issued her letter of resignation to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and members of Commissioners Court, to be effective May 31, 2020.

“After much deliberation and discussion with my family and physician, I am resigning from my position as Harris County Clerk due to personal health concerns,” said Trautman. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my age, and underlying health issues, I do not feel I can safely continue to carry out my duties as Harris County Clerk.”

Trautman has served as Harris County Clerk since January 1, 2019, working arduously to make the voting process simpler, continually anticipating challenges, and addressing public concerns to ensure the election infrastructure remains secure.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished during my short term in office and am so thankful for my amazing staff for their commitment and support,” added Trautman, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Harris County.”

Most recently and in response to COVID-19, Trautman has been working with election officials to ensure the safety of her staff, election workers and voters in the upcoming elections.

Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo accepted Trautman’s resignation and offered the following statement:

“Dr. Trautman embodies the spirit of the community she has served. In her brief time as County Clerk, Dr. Trautman has fought to make it easier for citizens to participate in elections and make their voices heard. At the very first Commissioners Court meeting after we were both inaugurated, she led the charge to allow citizens to vote at any polling place on Election Day, regardless of their assigned precinct. She expanded voting locations to include colleges and universities and expanded hours and early voting opportunities for all. Now, during the Coronavirus crisis, she has led the push for mail ballot voting, securing a $12 million commitment from Commissioners Court to ensure residents can vote safely, by mail if necessary, or at the polling location. Commissioners Court will appoint her replacement. In the meantime, on behalf of the residents of Harris County, I thank her for serving our community with pride, dedication, and an ambitious agenda.”

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is grateful for Dr. Trautman’s leadership and wishes her the best. She will truly be missed.