Montgomery County Judge Keough wins re-election without runoff

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough won’t face a runoff for his second term. After early voting results and 107 of 111 precincts reporting, Keough was in the clear with 42,652 (66.12 percent) of the votes with Sara Countryman and Billy Graff with 10,453 (16.21 percent) and 11,399 (17.67 percent) respectively. “First I give all the credit to the Lord who has walked me through the most significant years of my life. I couldn’t be more pleased,” Keough said Tuesday night. “The people have spoken. The support that I have felt throughout this endeavor has been uncommon and I look forward completing this term and starting the next term next year.”

The former legislator turned county judge left the Texas House of Representatives with a goal to help more people with immediate needs. The desire has been put to the test as Montgomery County saw numerous serious weather events and endured a pandemic that paralyzed the nation. Keough has faced criticism during his term from taking a hard stance against mask mandates and other restrictions set forth by Gov. Greg Abbott to an arrest for driving while intoxicated. Keough ultimately pleaded guilty and paid $2,000 in fines.