As the sun sets on 2025 and we prepare to turn the calendar page, it is natural to reflect on where we have been and where we are going.
Tonight, across Montgomery County – from the shores of Lake Conroe to the town centers of The Woodlands, from the growing neighborhoods of East County to the historic streets of Montgomery – families are gathering to ring in the New Year.
As your County Judge, I want to take this moment to wish every resident a prosperous and blessed 2026. But more than just well wishes, I want to offer a message of encouragement and firm optimism about the future of the community we call home.
The Strength of Our Foundation
2025 was a year that tested our mettle. Like all Texans, we faced challenges. We dealt with economic headwinds nationwide and the growing pains that come with being one of the most desirable places to live in America.
Yet, through it all, Montgomery County stood strong. Why? Because our foundation is built on something sturdier than passing political fads. Our community is built on shared conservative values: faith in God, commitment to family, personal responsibility, and a fierce love of liberty.
When times get tough, we don’t look to big government to save us; we look to our neighbors, our churches, and our own grit. That spirit of resilience is what defines us, and it is what will carry us through whatever 2026 brings.
Why Montgomery County Continues to Thrive
It is no secret that people are flocking to Montgomery County. They are leaving areas defined by high taxes, high crime, and heavy-handed bureaucracy, and they are choosing our way of life.
As we head into 2026, we must recognize that our prosperity is not an accident. It is the direct result of conservative governance in action.
- We prioritize public safety: While other areas demoralize their police, we fully fund our Sheriff’s Office and Constables. We know there is no prosperity without law and order.
- We respect the taxpayer: We understand that every dollar the county spends is a dollar taken from a hardworking family or small business. That is why we have fought to keep our tax rates low even as property values rise.
- We protect our values: We stand firm for the sanctity of life, the Second Amendment, and parents’ rights to direct the upbringing of their children.
In the coming year, we will double down on these principles. We will not apologize for the success that conservative leadership has built.
The Vision for 2026: A Pivotal Year
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for Montgomery County and for Texas.
We face the undeniable challenge of growth. We need more roads to fix gridlock, better infrastructure to prevent flooding, and continued investment in public safety resources. The conservative answer to growth is not to stop it, but to manage it responsibly – building what we need without saddling future generations with unsustainable debt.
This year is also crucial because it is an election year. We must remain vigilant to ensure that the values that made Montgomery County great remain the values that guide our future. We cannot take our foot off the gas. We must ensure that our elections remain secure, transparent, and trustworthy.
A Final Blessing for the New Year
I am incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead. We have the best people, the strongest economy, and the deepest faith of any county in Texas.
As we enter 2026, let us move forward with confidence – not in government, but in the strength of our community and the providence of God.
From my family to yours, Happy New Year. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the great state of Texas and Montgomery County.
— Mark Keough Montgomery County Judge
