RICHMOND, Texas (Diya TV) — Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Wednesday that he is leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party and seek reelection in 2026, sparking backlash from both sides of the political aisle.

George, who was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 as a Democrat, has recently faced legal trouble. He is under indictment for two counts of felony money laundering and a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity. The latter stems from accusations that he faked racist social media attacks during his last campaign. George denies all charges and has claimed they are politically motivated.

At a press conference flanked by his wife, Sheeba George, and his attorney, former Harris County GOP chair Jared Woodfill, George said the Democratic Party no longer represents his values. “I have always believed in faith, family, and freedom as the cornerstones of our nation,” he said. “These are the key principles being advanced by the Republican Party.”

However, his critics — Democrats and Republicans alike—say the timing of his switch points more to political survival than principle.

“This is not about ideology,” said Fort Bend County Democratic Chair Jennifer Cantu in a statement. “It’s about avoiding accountability,” Cantu added that George’s legal woes have distracted from critical issues and harmed the county’s reputation.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, a Democrat, echoed the call for George to resign, saying, “He has chosen to prioritize his self-interest over the well-being of the people who elected him.”

On the Republican side, state and local leaders are skeptical. In a strongly worded statement, the Republican Party of Texas rejected George’s party switch outright, calling it a “calculated attempt to shield himself from accountability.”

Party Chair Abraham George stated, “KP George has never supported our platform, principles, or priorities. His sudden shift—under legal pressure—is not credible. We will have no part in it.”

Local Republicans also voiced concern. Fort Bend County GOP Chair Bobby Eberle said, “Time will tell whether this switch represents a true change of heart.” Former Sugar Land council member Daniel Wong, who plans to run against George in the Republican primary, added, “The Republican Party stands for accountability and service. It is not a refuge for career politicians.”

Meanwhile, former GOP opponent Trever Nehls, who ran against George in 2022, criticized the move as opportunistic. “This isn’t a shift in beliefs. It’s a calculated move to escape accountability,” he said.

Despite the uproar, George’s switch gives Republicans a 3–2 majority on the Fort Bend Commissioners Court, a shift that could influence pending redistricting plans. George, often the swing vote, has previously sided with Republicans on redrawing precinct lines.

At Wednesday’s press conference, George emphasized his priorities: redistricting, cutting taxes, and reducing spending. “Like President Trump, I will stand up and fight against the radical leftists,” he declared.

Still, many question whether voters will buy into his rebrand. “This is theater, not leadership,” said one critic during a press briefing. “Fort Bend voters are smarter than that.”

The Fort Bend County Judge seat will be on the ballot on Nov. 3, 2026, with the Republican and Democratic primaries scheduled for March 3.