County Judge - Texas Ballot Compare

Mark Keough

Republican Incumbent

On ballot as: Mark Keough
Current role: Montgomery County Judge (since January 1, 2019; first elected 2018; second term began January 1, 2023)
Background: Undergraduate degree, Cedarville University
Master's degrees, Dallas Theological Seminary and Grace Theological Seminary
Retired general sales manager, Northside Lexus (automotive industry)
Experience: Texas House of Representatives, District 15 (84th and 85th sessions of the Texas Legislature)
Has also served as a pastor (per campaign)
Top priorities: "Managing rapid growth without sacrificing the safety, mobility, affordability and quality of life that brought families here"
"We must plan ahead, not chase growth after it arrives"; "require development to address traffic and drainage impacts"
"Fiscal discipline and honesty about trade-offs"; "fighting for the lowest responsible tax rate" while funding law enforcement, roads and essential services
"Right-size courthouse and jail needs through transparent planning, competitive bidding and phased financing"
"major debt should be clearly justified and decided by voters"
"Preserving the quality of life Montgomery County families expect; safe neighborhoods, reliable roads, strong emergency response and responsible government"
Tidbits: Property taxes and budget: In a Community Impact Q&A: "I will continue fighting for the lowest responsible tax rate while keeping law enforcement, roads and essential county services properly funded."
Growth and infrastructure: In a Community Impact Q&A: "We must plan ahead, not chase growth after it arrives."
Flooding and drainage: Campaign site says his strategy focuses on "proactive mitigation, securing federal grants for drainage and debris management before disaster strikes"
Public safety: In a Community Impact Q&A: "Public safety is government’s first responsibility."
Endorsements: Houston Police Officers' Union
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle (primary)
Constable Philip Cash (primary)
Constable David Eason (primary)
Former Sheriff Tommy Gage (primary)
Show all 12
Former Sheriff Joe Corley (primary)
Shenandoah Mayor John Escoto (primary)
Oak Ridge Mayor Paul Bond (primary)
Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT) (primary)
Montgomery County Law Enforcement Association (primary)
Veterans for America First (primary)
Houston Area Realtors (primary)
Campaign website: markkeough.org

James Graf

Democratic

On ballot as: James Graf
Current role: Interim chief financial officer, NK Gen Biotech (per FOX 26, March 2026)
Background: Describes "four decades finance and management experience, including 15 years as public company CEO/CFO." (per Community Impact questionnaire)
Experience: Not found
Top priorities: "Conservative fiscal responsibility requires longer term financial planning as we grow to a million residents"
"Publish an interactive long-term county financial plan, as a guide for decision-making, budgeting and accountability"
"No new revenues beyond growth and inflation", with possible exceptions for "special voter-approved capital projects"
"We need a safe modern courthouse and jail"; will "spearhead effort to secure widespread public support for bonds"
"More public visibility and voice on Commissioners Court agendas, including move to some evening meetings"
"Promote broader economic and business growth, not just rooftops"
Tidbits: Property taxes and budget: In a Community Impact Q&A: "I would focus on no new revenues beyond growth and inflation. Exceptions may be special voter-approved capital projects."
Growth and infrastructure: In a Community Impact Q&A: "Infrastructure and growth require greater alignment."
Flooding and drainage: No public statement found
Public safety: In a Community Impact Q&A: "We need a safe modern courthouse and jail to ensure public safety, and can’t kick the can on this any longer."
Endorsements: None found in our research
Campaign website: Not found