SUGAR LAND, Texas (Diya TV) — Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Wednesday that he is leaving the Democratic Party and joining the Republicans. He also confirmed he will run for a third term in 2026 — this time as a GOP candidate.

The move marks a dramatic political shift for the county judge. George, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 as a Democrat, is now facing two felony charges for money laundering and a misdemeanor charge related to campaign misrepresentation.

At a press conference in Sugar Land, George stood alongside his wife and attorney Jared Woodfill, the former chair of the Harris County Republican Party. George said he no longer aligns with the Democratic Party.

“The Democratic Party has become one of corruption, radical political ideology, and positions that do not reflect my values or those of Fort Bend County residents,” George said. “I have always believed in faith, family, and freedom. These are the principles being advanced by the Republican Party.”

George promised to cut taxes and reduce spending if re-elected. His party switch also gives Republicans a 3-2 majority on the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, potentially impacting redistricting decisions in the diverse, fast-growing county southwest of Houston.

George’s announcement comes as he faces multiple legal challenges. In April, he was arrested and charged with two counts of felony money laundering. The charges allege that George laundered between $30,000 and $150,000 through wire fraud and tampering with a campaign finance report.

He was previously indicted in 2023 on a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity. Prosecutors claim George faked racist attacks against his own campaign during the 2022 election. His former chief of staff, Taral Patel, reached a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for testimony.

George’s attorney has called the charges politically motivated. Woodfill also filed a motion to recuse the judge overseeing the case, arguing that a neutral judge from outside Fort Bend County should be appointed. A hearing on that motion is expected in the coming weeks.

George’s party switch sparked sharp criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Trever Nehls, who ran against George as a Republican in 2022 and claims to have been targeted in the alleged fake social media campaign, slammed George’s decision.

“This isn’t a shift in beliefs. It’s a calculated move to escape accountability,” Nehls said. “The people of Fort Bend remember the lies, the fake accounts, and the abuse of public trust. A party label doesn’t erase any of that.”

Democratic County Commissioner Dexter McCoy called on George to resign immediately.

“KP George is a threat to our country,” McCoy said. “Our community deserves better than morally corrupt officials who compromise their integrity for personal gain.”

Jennifer Cantu, chairwoman of the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, also criticized George, saying his departure raises questions about his motives and commitment to justice.

Fort Bend County Republican Party Chair Bobby Eberle called George’s switch “stunning but not surprising.” He said the party will watch closely to see if the judge’s change in affiliation is genuine.

“Time will tell whether this party switch represents a true change of heart,” Eberle said. He emphasized the need for “responsible, conservative leadership” and promised action now that Republicans hold a majority on the Commissioners Court.

Eberle also noted that Republican wins in recent elections signal a mandate for conservative governance in the county.

George’s decision adds new drama to the 2026 race for county judge. Former Sugar Land City Councilman Daniel Wong has already announced a bid in the Republican primary. On the Democratic side, at least three candidates — including Precinct 3 Constable Nabil Shike and District Judge Christian Becerra — have entered the race.

George remains under indictment and has not commented publicly on the pending cases beyond stating that they are politically motivated.

The next court hearing in George’s felony case is scheduled in two weeks. As the legal battle continues, his political future and the direction of Fort Bend County government remain uncertain.