By Scott A. Baker – Candidate for County Chair
Montgomery County, Texas, remains one of the strongest Republican strongholds in the nation. This is a place where conservative values, limited government, border security, and constitutional principles run deep. With roughly 469,000 registered voters, the county consistently delivers massive GOP margins in general elections. Yet this year’s March 3 Republican primary is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential in recent memory, testing the party’s unity, turnout, and commitment to electing principled conservatives.
Early voting is open right now and it ends this Friday, February 27. Polls are available across the county from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Voters can cast ballots at any early voting location, making it easier than ever to have your voice heard before Election Day on March 3.
What should alarm every Republican is the Democratic turnout. In just the first six days of early voting (February 17–22), 8,265 Democrats cast ballots, more than a quarter of the 31,061 total early votes recorded. Republicans still led with 22,794 ballots, but the Democratic surge in a county this red signals aggressive mobilization on the left. Democrats are turning out in large numbers, clearly aiming to influence the narrative and prepare for November. If Republicans stay home, we risk nominating weaker candidates or handing momentum to the opposition.
Nationally, President Donald Trump delivered a powerful message just last night in his February 24 State of the Union address. Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump celebrated America’s rapid turnaround under his second term: a roaring economy, historically low gas prices, renewed energy independence, and aggressive action on border security and immigration enforcement. He painted a vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation and directly challenged Democrats for failing working families. For Montgomery County Republicans, the speech was a timely reminder of what’s at stake. Trump’s America First agenda resonates here because it matches the priorities that built this county: faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility.
Locally, the GOP primary features spirited contests that reflect ongoing debate within the party. Voters are weighing candidates for U.S. Senate, Congressional District 8, County Judge, and numerous state and local races down the ballot. Voters also have the opportunity to choose our Republican County Chair (which I’m a candidate for) and Precinct Chairs. These are local Party officers, and your choice will help determine the direction of the local Republican Party for the next two years. Multiple independent voter guides are circulating, each offering different philosophies on what defines a “strong conservative.” I strongly recommend that you research candidates thoroughly, review their records on core issues, support those aligned with the platform and your values, and turn out to vote.
Internal discussions, whether about accountability for elected officials or the best path forward on taxes and growth, are signs of a vibrant party, not weakness. But unity after the primary will be essential. The real battle is in November against national Democratic priorities that threaten the Texas model of prosperity.
Republicans in Montgomery County have the numbers and the values to dominate. The question is turnout. With early voting still open for just a few more days, now is the time to act. Check your sample ballot at elections.mctx.org, review the candidates and propositions, and vote. Whether you support incumbents with proven records or challengers promising new direction, your ballot decides who carries the Republican banner this fall.
President Trump reminded the nation last night that America is back, and Montgomery County can lead the way. Don’t let Democratic enthusiasm outpace Republican action. Vote early this week, vote on March 3, and help secure another generation of strong conservative leadership in Montgomery County.
