Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is a proud Latina and native Texan who grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border. Raised by her parents — both dedicated teachers — she learned the values of education, hard work, and community service at an early age. As the first woman to lead Precinct 4 and the first mother elected in her own right to the Harris County Commissioners Court, Commissioner Briones carries these values forward in her service to the people of one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in the country.

Commissioner Briones’ career is built on a long history of service. After graduating with honors from Harvard University, she returned to her hometown of Laredo to teach middle and high school students in underserved communities. She then attended Yale Law School, where between her studies she provided pro bono legal support to survivors of domestic abuse and counseled juvenile offenders. After moving to Houston, she practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and later worked as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of the Laura & John Arnold Foundation. Briones then served as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4, earning the highest ratings in the 2019 and 2020 Houston Bar Association Judicial Polls.

Commissioner Briones’ leadership has earned widespread recognition. She has been named one of Houston Woman Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women, received the Trailblazer of the Year Award from the Hispanic Bar Association, and has served as Pride Houston’s Ally Grand Marshal.

Commissioner Briones and her husband, Adán, live in Houston with their three daughters and worship at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.