Incumbent Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, will be facing fellow Republican Jon Bouche. Will Metcalf has been the district's representative since 2022.
Early primary voting begins Feb. 17, and election day is March 3.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 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.
Will Metcalf
Occupation & Experience:
Banker, State Representative; Lifelong Montgomery County resident, business background, decade of conservative, results-driven legislative service
Candidate Website:
www.willmetcalf.com
Why are you running for office?
I am running to continue delivering real, conservative results for Montgomery County. My record proves I know how to bring resources home, fight for taxpayers, and solve problems for our community. This district deserves a proven workhorse who shows up, gets results, and puts Montgomery County first every time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Delivering property tax relief and long-term predictability for homeowners and businesses are crucial priorities. I’ll continue fighting to lower appraisal caps, increase the state’s share of school funding, fully eliminate M&O property taxes, building on my work as lead negotiator of the largest tax cut in U.S. history.
What are the biggest challenges facing HD-16?
Property tax relief and predictability for homeowners and businesses, smart investment in critical infrastructure such as transportation and water. Like my work this session, securing $15 million in state funding for Conroe water projects, and protecting the conservative family values that make Montgomery County the best place to live.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
I’m proud to have authored and passed the largest property tax cut in U.S. history, increasing homestead exemptions, adding appraisal accountability, and creating the first commercial appraisal cap. There is more work to do, and I’ll continue fighting to lower appraisal caps and fully eliminate M&O property taxes.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
During disasters, my staff and I work on the ground with local officials and maintain direct contact with state emergency leadership to secure needed resources. From Hurricanes Harvey, Beryl, and Winter Storm Uri, for example, we coordinated aid, shared updates, and worked around the clock to serve our community.
Jon Bouche
Occupation & Experience:
Real estate agent; Vice President MCRP 2020-2025, LSGCD Board and VP – 2020-Present
Candidate Website:
www.BoucheForTexas.com
Why are you running for office?
Because I believe that people of House District 16 need better representation in Austin.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Eliminate property taxes, secure our border, improve educational outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges facing Texas House District 16?
House District 16 has many pressing issues due to rapid and expanding growth. These include water infrastructure needs, a courthouse and more jail space, just to name a few.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
I will begin the process to totally eliminate property taxes in Texas. To help with affordability, I would focus on reducing red tape and regulations that drive up construction costs. At the state level, I will focus on limiting unfunded mandates and providing targeted immediate property tax relief.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
Montgomery County has an emergency management team and I will work closely with them to ensure that we are not only well prepared for natural disasters but also that resources are available and the needs of House District 16 are met in the aftermath of disasters.
