Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
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*denotes incumbent
Will Metcalf*
Experience:
Vice president, business banking: Woodforest National Bank; active in various local leadership organizations.
Candidate Website:
https://www.willmetcalf.com
Contact Information:
936-827-4770
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I ran for this position because I want to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work and raise a family—now and for future generations. As a sixth-generation Montgomery County resident, I’m deeply connected to our area and dedicated to protecting our conservative values at the Texas Capitol.
What is your top priority, if elected?
My top priority is securing the southern border from the [Joe] Biden administration’s disastrous policies. I’ll also focus on cutting taxes, defending the second amendment and the unborn, protecting youth from radical agendas, stopping overregulation and safeguarding property rights, religious liberties, parental rights and supporting Texas energy.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing District 16?
I’d point to the rising cost of property taxes, ensuring reliable water resources, improving roadway infrastructure to match growth and addressing the ongoing crisis at our southern border. These issues directly affect our community’s quality of life, and residents deserve focused, practical solutions.
What specific policies or initiatives do you propose to address the issues you’ve identified?
I’ll continue to fight to rein in skyrocketing property taxes and ensure we fully fund Texas's border security efforts. I'll also promote school safety initiatives that protect our children and loved ones, and champion policies that strengthen our power grid to meet the demands of our state’s massive population growth.
How do you plan to engage and listen to the needs of your constituents?
I've always had and will continue to maintain an open-door policy in my office. I welcome feedback from constituents and regularly meet with stakeholders across District 16 and Montgomery County to ensure that the priorities I advocate for align with the will of the voters.
Mike Midler
Experience:
I am a retired high school economics and government teacher/coach and USMC veteran.
Contact Information:
832-693-4519
Why did you decide to run in this election?
I believe we are all in this together, facing the same difficult challenges and problems. We must work together, through our legislature and governmental agencies and departments, to address our needs. Money management is very important. Waste and corruption can ruin the quality of our communities very quickly. Watching how…
What is your top priority, if elected?
“Public money for public schools” is the main theme of my campaign. My tax dollars should not go to a private school which may be “for profit,” leading to corruption or religion-based, violating separation of church and state. If a parent wants to send their child to a private school…
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing District 16?
Growth in HD16 dictates that our most important challenges are providing infrastructure and creating jobs. As a 40-year public education teacher of economics and government, I have analyzed, taught and applied the principles of our free enterprise system. We have the strongest economy in the world, highly respected and emulated…
What specific policies or initiatives do you propose to address the issues you’ve identified?
My top priority is to fight against school vouchers. I think it is a given that our future success lies with our children. They all need a quality education and it is the government’s responsibility to see that that opportunity exists for all, not just a select few. It’s obvious…
How do you plan to engage and listen to the needs of your constituents?
Community outreach is a prime objective for me if elected. Knowing what my constituents need and what they prioritize can only be determined with public input. Monthly community forums and regular office hours within the district are prime goals.
