Mayor Whitmire says ‘cheesy’ comment about Lina Hidalgo’s fiancé was a ‘light moment’ – Houston Public Media

Houston Mayor John Whitmire raised eyebrows Monday night when commenting on Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s bridal party Facebook post about her future husband.

Hidalgo posted a series of photos from the event, including a photo of her and her fiancé David James. Underneath the post, Whitmire commented from his official Facebook page: “Wonderful. He really looks like a nerd.” The comment has since been deleted.

Screenshots of the comment quickly went viral on Twitter, with people wondering if it was real or photoshopped.

On Tuesday morning, Hidalgo and Whitmire commented on the comment.

Hidalgo told Houston Public Media she was baffled by what Whitmire posted.

“It’s such a happy moment for me. So, I don’t know why anyone would do something so cruel, but obviously, you know, I’ve been in politics for quite a long time,” Hidalgo said.

She added that the shower was tea party themed and it was “wonderful”.

A spokesperson for Whitmire’s office said, “Mayor John Whitmire was having a light moment and meant no harm. He congratulates the happy couple and wishes them well.”

Facebook screenshot

Whitmire and Hidalgo have had tense public clashes since he was first elected. In May, after a windstorm caused widespread damage in Harris County, the two men had a brief, tense moment during a news conference. Hidalgo previously supported U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in her mayoral bid against Whitmire.

Hidalgo previously announced her engagement to her fiancé, David James in January. James is an attorney with the Austin-based law firm Edwards Law.