State Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, announced Wednesday his plans to run for the position of Montgomery County Judge in the 2018 Republican primary election. Keough, who was first elected to the District 15 seat in the House of Representatives in 2014, said in a statement Wednesday that the last two legislative sessions have impressed upon him the role county governance plays in the lives of Texans. “It has also made me reconsider where I have the best opportunity to serve our area,” Keough said. “For those reasons and many others, I am announcing my candidacy for Montgomery County Judge in the 2018 Republican primary.” Craig Doyal currently holds the position of Montgomery County judge. He was first elected to the position in 2014 and has reportedly announced his intent to run for re-election, according to the Texas Tribune. Former state Rep. Steve Toth—who previously held the District 15 seat between 2012-14—announced Wednesday in light of Keough’s announcement that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the position. “Texas desperately needs conservative leadership in the House to support the efforts of the Texas Senate and the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick,” Toth said in a statement Wednesday. “This session has seen House leadership stall and kill most of Governor Abbott’s emergency legislation. Concerned citizens in the district want results and have asked me to lead, in response to them I feel compelled to answer their call.”