Nearly two weeks after Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson filed a lawsuit arguing that Interim County Judge Daniel Wong's appointment expired on June 17, Wong continues to preside over Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meetings while the case remains pending. Smith-Lawson contends Wong no longer has the legal authority to serve because the civil case that led to his appointment was dismissed. Wong maintains that his appointment remains valid despite the case being non-suited.

Fort Bend County Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage have continued to abstain from Commissioners Court meetings, maintaining that they will not participate in proceedings presided over by Wong because they believe he is not legally authorized to hold the position. Their decision follows the June 25 Commissioners Court meeting, during which both commissioners walked out, arguing the meeting was being conducted without lawful authority.

Ahead of the July 16 Commissioners Court meeting, McCoy filed a formal notice with Fort Bend County Clerk  stating that his continued absence was based on legal guidance from Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson. McCoy said the letter serves as a public record documenting the basis for his decision while the legal challenge to Wong's appointment remains pending.

The absences of McCoy and Prestage also contributed to the July 9 Commissioners Court meeting ending early after a quorum could not be established. Only Wong and Commissioner Vincent Morales were physically present, while Commissioner Andy Meyers attended virtually. At least three members of a county commissioners court must be physically present to constitute a quorum for conducting most county business.

On Thursday, July 23, Commissioners McCoy and Prestage held what they described as a public interest meeting at the Fort Bend County Courthouse. The meeting, which began at 10 a.m., focused on explaining their decision to continue abstaining from Commissioners Court meetings while Wong serves as interim county judge.

Both commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to serving their constituents and residents countywide, while reiterating that they would not return to Commissioners Court unless Wong steps aside or the legal dispute over his appointment is resolved.

McCoy defended the decision, arguing that the dispute is not about routine county business but about ensuring the legality of the proceedings.

"Being blocked from delivering results for my constituents is bothersome. I appreciate the public standing by both me and Prestage, but we need to get back to business without the cloud over us of whether the business being conducted is legal or not. The solution is simple — Mr. Wong can take a step back."

Before the commissioners provided updates on mobility bond projects and precinct park bond projects, members of the public were given an opportunity to speak. Most of those who addressed the commissioners voiced support for McCoy and Prestage's position, saying they understood the concerns surrounding whether Wong has the legal authority to conduct county business as interim county judge. One speaker opposed the commissioners' continued absence, arguing they should attend Commissioners Court meetings and, if necessary, simply refrain from voting.

Following public comments, the meeting turned to the commissioners providing updates on mobility bond projects, including renderings of proposed street improvements, as well as progress on precinct park bond projects. McCoy and Prestage emphasized that these are among the types of projects they want to continue advancing for residents but said they believe doing so must occur under what they consider a lawfully constituted Commissioners Court.

More information on the mobility and precinct park bond project updates can be viewed here:  https://lja-eng.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/b9a76ab06f5b4520beb4d0c9297037b8#

As infrastructure projects and other county business continue to move forward, the legal dispute over Wong's authority remains unresolved.

Meanwhile, additional questions have emerged regarding the legal proceedings surrounding Wong's appointment. Critics have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that the district judge assigned to determine whether Wong's appointment remains valid has been described as a supporter of Wong.

The legal battle also unfolds against the backdrop of the upcoming November general election. Wong, the Republican nominee for Fort Bend County judge, is set to face Democratic nominee and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. Wong defeated former County Judge KP George in the Republican primary. George was later convicted of felony money laundering and is appealing that conviction.