Chronicle reports 43 council absences for Plummer; campaign defends her record

Letitia Plummer, the Democratic nominee for Harris County judge, was listed as absent from Houston City Council gatherings 43 times from the start of her final term in 2024 through the end of 2025, the Houston Chronicle reported on October 15, citing city records.

The newspaper said the records classified 27 absences as personal business, 14 as city business and two as sick days. Its review included public-comment sessions and special meetings as well as other council gatherings.

Plummer’s campaign said it could not give context for individual absences without specific dates, but maintained that her constituent work continued outside City Hall. It said she had been present for important votes, particularly during natural disasters, and would bring that commitment to Commissioners Court if elected county judge.

The Chronicle quoted Rottinghaus saying that attendance alone does not show how effectively an official does the job: constituent services, committee work, policy achievements and the circumstances of an absence also matter.