Lina Hidalgo, a prominent Democrat judge from Harris County, Texas, has publicly announced her separation from her husband, David James, on the first anniversary of their wedding. The 34-year-old rising political star shared the news in a detailed and emotional Instagram post.
A Public Announcement on a Private Milestone
In a lengthy caption accompanying a photograph of the couple, Hidalgo revealed the unexpected end of their marriage. The post initially read like a celebration of their union before taking a poignant turn. She described their wedding day as the best of her life, reflecting on a decade-long relationship filled with joy, growth, and deep love.
"We are a fantastic team," Hidalgo wrote. "Our time together has also seen challenges, of course, but we’ve worked hard and availed ourselves of resources to weather those and strengthen our relationship." She explained that life had recently "taken a turn" which led them to see things differently, resulting in a separation that was "not what either of us wanted."
Mental Health Struggles and a Profound Sacrifice
The announcement comes just a year after Hidalgo made headlines for a candid Vogue article in which she disclosed the extent of her husband's support during her mental health crisis. She revealed that David James, a personal injury attorney, used the bulk of his life savings to pay for her clinical depression treatment.
Hidalgo had taken a nine-week leave from the bench in August 2023 for outpatient mental health care. She stated that James's financial sacrifice, which covered a massive medical bill, unexpectedly alleviated her anxiety about marriage and allowed her to accept his proposal. "It finally allowed me to accept David’s proposal," she had written.
A Rising Political Star Navigating Personal and Public Life
Elected as Harris County Judge in 2019, Lina Hidalgo is seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party. She has cited Donald Trump's first presidency as inspiration for entering office and earned a reported $190,000 salary in 2023. Her profile was further elevated by a speaking role at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Her tenure has not been without controversy. Recently, video footage showed her speaking at breakneck speed and shouting over colleagues during a public meeting. The incident occurred as she advocated for a tax increase to fund free childcare and early education, a proposal that ultimately failed.
In her Vogue piece, Hidalgo linked part of her depression to concerns over "natural disasters in Texas." Through therapy, she learned to manage these anxieties while still embracing the joy of her relationship and wedding planning. The couple held two ceremonies: one on November 6 and a destination wedding in the Philippines on December 1.
Despite their separation, Hidalgo emphasised that she and James remain close. "Just as we have for 10+ years, we deeply love, respect, and admire each other and remain in close touch," she assured her followers, framing the decision as a painful but confident step for both.
