Once an unassuming Houston suburb, Montgomery County has transformed into a Republican stronghold, crucial to achieving statewide victories in Texas. With a population exceeding 700,000 residents, the county consistently leans more Republican than any of Texas' top 15 counties, delivering essential margins in statewide elections as urban regions shift towards Democratic preferences.
In 2020, Donald Trump secured Montgomery County with a margin of 120,000 votes—his most significant lead across the nation from any individual county. 2018 the county played an important role by contributing nearly half of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s winning margin. As Cruz confronts a challenging re-election battle against Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, Montgomery's strong GOP turnout will be pivotal.
Montgomery County has experienced double-digit population growth each year for the past decade, attracting residents to The Woodlands, a master-planned community that accommodates ExxonMobil and Chevron employees. Virginia Miller, president of the county’s Women Republicans, observes that many newcomers come from more liberal areas, contributing to economic vitality while upholding the region’s strong conservative values.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick praised the county as Texas' “reddest,” attributing its turnout and growth to offsetting blue urban centers such as Harris County.
As Texas suburbs undergo political changes, Montgomery remains a Republican stronghold, vital for the GOP’s dominance across the state. Political science professor Billy Monroe said that “Republicans would be in trouble” without it.
Montgomery County is taking decisive action to address long-standing jail overcrowding with the launch of a comprehensive assessment to explore the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility. With a potential price tag of nearly $400 million, the project aims to prioritize safety, sustainability, and efficiency in the county’s criminal justice infrastructure.
Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton filed for divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton after 38 years of marriage, citing adultery and a breakdown in their relationship following “recent discoveries.” The news comes as Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate amid ongoing ethics and legal controversies.