Harris County officials sworn in after Democratic sweep

The new Harris County officials sworn in New Year's Day had something in common: They were all Democrats.

The swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday followed the Democratic Party's sweep of every countywide office in November's general election, including closely watched contests against incumbent Republicans for DA and sheriff.

The blue wave in a normally purple county where President Barack Obama won by just one-tenth of a percent in 2012 was driven largely by the unpopularity of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who polled just 42 percent in Harris County compared to Democrat Hillary Clinton's 54 percent, according to the county clerk's official election results. Trump's unpopularity here helped spur the Democrats' 11-point advantage in straight-ticket voting.

Despite the partisan victory, new and returning Harris County public servants struck a conciliatory tone. Shortly before his swearing-in, incoming Sheriff Ed Gonzalez credited his former opponent Ron Hickman with working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/politics/houston/article/harris-county-swearing-in-democrats-kim-ogg-ed-10829792.php