Mark Keough reelected Montgomery County judge, defeating James Graf

Who's involved

• Mark Keough · Republican incumbent, reelected Montgomery County judge^[1,2,4,5]
• James Graf · Democratic challenger^[1,2,4,5]

The facts

1. In early results on November 3, 2026, Keough had 64.41% of the vote and Graf had 35.59%, though results did not yet include Election Day precincts. [1]^[1]
2. According to unofficial election results reported after November 3, 2026, Keough received 66% of the vote and Graf received 34% of the vote. [4]^[4,6]
3. The Montgomery County judge serves as one of five members on the Commissioners Court, overseeing all of Montgomery County's operations and finances. [1]^[1]
4. The winner will serve a four-year term beginning in January 2027. [2]^[2]
5. Keough was first elected county judge in 2018 and took office in January 2019. [5]^[5]
6. Before being elected Montgomery County judge, Keough served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 15. [4]^[4]
7. James Graf, a Democrat, spent his career in finance and management. [1]^[1]
8. James Graf conceded the race on the evening of November 3, 2026, Election Day. [5]^[5]

Who said what

• Mark Keough The top issue facing the county was managing rapid growth without sacrificing the safety, mobility, affordability and quality of life that brought families here, and the county must stay ahead of traffic, drainage, law enforcement and court needs while keeping government accountable and protecting taxpayers.^[1]
• Mark Keough "I give all the glory to God! Thank you Montgomery County!" after polls closed on November 3, 2026.^[1]
• James Graf The county needed experienced financial leadership to tackle challenges of growth facing Montgomery County, and that conservative fiscal responsibility requires longer-term financial planning as the county grows to a million residents, to protect taxpayers, public safety, critical services and the way of life.^[1]
• Mark Keough's campaign His core values are fiscal responsibility, limited government, personal liberty and the sanctity of life.^[4,6]
• Mark Keough's campaign His record included lowering county tax rates, investing in road improvements and supporting law enforcement.^[2]
• James Graf's campaign His priorities included long-term financial planning, government transparency and infrastructure improvements, and preparing Montgomery County for continued population growth and addressing future needs involving public safety, roads and county facilities.^[2]