Two veteran lawmakers say the Montgomery County Republican Party is undermining voters after its Executive Committee voted not to support them in their 2025 reelection bids, escalating a dispute that began with a failed censure effort earlier this year.
The rift within the Montgomery County Republican Party deepened on Tuesday as the Executive Committee decided against endorsing Texas Reps. Cecil Bell Jr. and Will Metcalf for their 2025 reelection bids. This decision led both lawmakers to charge party leaders with “election interference.”
The action comes in the wake of the committee's efforts in March to reprimand the lawmakers for backing Rep. Dustin Burrows in the contest for Texas House speaker, rather than supporting North Texas Rep. David Cook. Party leaders contended that the decision positioned Bell and Metcalf alongside Democrats who similarly supported Burrows. The censure did not succeed, as it lacked the necessary two-thirds approval from GOP leaders in each district, in accordance with state party regulations.
Local leaders moved forward with a distinct reprimand that, while lacking formal state party penalties, enables the county GOP to retract its support. “The censure indicates that we are not obligated to support these two individuals,” stated Precinct 63 Chair Herschel Williams. “We must implement consequences for inappropriate actions.” Scott Robbins, Chair of Precinct 33, expressed that the lawmakers “betrayed” their constituents by supporting Burrows.
The conflict arises from a resolution passed in December 2024, which calls on local lawmakers to back Cook for the speaker position. The resolution warns that voting for a candidate who relies on Democratic support would be considered a censurable offense.
Metcalf, who took office in 2015 and secured reelection in 2024 with over 80% of the vote, expressed strong condemnation of the latest action. He stated that it intensifies “reckless division” and demonstrates a concerted attempt by “a small group of political insiders” to undermine the decisions made by voters. “What we are witnessing is not grassroots conservatism; it amounts to election interference,” he stated. “I refuse to be cowed by those who believe that a small group of disruptors can overshadow the voice of the electorate.”
Bell, who has been in office since 2013 and faced no opposition in 2024, expressed criticism regarding the vote. He emphasized that the county party ought to ensure “an equal opportunity for individuals who wish to serve,” rather than “withhold information and foster a vacuum.”
Several committee members expressed their agreement in a public forum. Linda Stuckey, Chair of Precinct 29, emphasized that the organization is not a political action committee and should maintain a stance of neutrality. She stated that withholding support from particular candidates is “alienating” to voters. “It is essential for the Montgomery County Republican Party to ensure fair and equal representation for all Republican candidates,” she stated. “Collaboration is essential.”
The party has not disclosed any further actions regarding the reprimand.
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