An analysis from Dock Line Magazine
As Montgomery County continues to experience rapid growth and increasing regional influence, the upcoming Republican primary for County Judge is shaping up as a consequential moment for local governance. Incumbent County Judge Mark Keough is seeking another term, facing a challenge from longtime Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack.
The race presents voters with a clear choice between two public servants with very different professional backgrounds and governing philosophies — one rooted in executive leadership and countywide administration, the other in the judicial system.
Mark Keough: Incumbent Leadership in a Period of Growth
Mark Keough has served as Montgomery County Judge since January 2019, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Before becoming County Judge, Keough represented Texas House District 15, giving him legislative experience at the state level prior to assuming the county’s top executive role.
As County Judge, Keough presides over Commissioners Court and serves as the county’s chief executive officer, with responsibilities that include budget oversight, emergency management, and long-term strategic planning. His tenure has coincided with unprecedented population growth, major infrastructure demands, and statewide emergencies that required coordinated local leadership.
Supporters point to Keough’s steady approach during crises, emphasis on fiscal responsibility, and focus on preparing Montgomery County for sustained growth without dramatically increasing the tax burden on residents.
More information on Judge Keough’s role and responsibilities can be found through official county resources:
Wayne Mack: A Judicial Background and a Challenger’s Case
Wayne Mack currently serves as Justice of the Peace for Montgomery County Precinct 1, a role he has held since 2015. His professional background is rooted in the judicial system, where his work has focused on misdemeanor cases, civil disputes, and local judicial administration.
In launching his challenge for County Judge, Mack has framed his candidacy around themes of accountability, communication, and a desire for a different leadership approach at the county level.
Information on Judge Mack’s current office is available here:
An Executive Role Versus a Judicial Perspective
While both candidates bring public service experience, the County Judge position is fundamentally an executive role rather than a judicial one. The office requires coordination across departments, management of a multi-hundred-million-dollar budget, and leadership during emergencies such as natural disasters.
Keough’s supporters argue that his experience operating at both the state legislative level and as the county’s chief executive uniquely positions him to continue guiding Montgomery County through its next phase of expansion.
Critics, however, say the county could benefit from a different style of leadership — a case Mack has made as part of his campaign.
Why This Race Matters Now
Montgomery County is no longer simply a suburban extension of Greater Houston. It is a major economic and population center in its own right, facing challenges related to transportation infrastructure, flood mitigation, public safety, and responsible development.
The 2026 primary is less about personalities and more about how voters want their county governed over the next decade — whether they favor continuity under Keough’s executive leadership or a change in direction under a challenger with a judicial background.
A Choice About Continuity and Direction
As the incumbent, Mark Keough enters the race with a record voters can evaluate — one defined by stability, measured growth, and an emphasis on long-term planning. Wayne Mack enters as a challenger offering an alternative perspective shaped by years in the courtroom.
Ultimately, Republican primary voters will decide which vision best aligns with Montgomery County’s future.
Dock Line Magazine will continue to follow this race and provide factual, community-focused coverage as the election approaches.
