This story is part of our Annual Community Guide, which takes a look at some of the biggest stories to watch in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County in 2019. Stay tuned throughout the week as we countdown to the No. 1 story to watch this year https://communityimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/WDL-2019-01-46-2.jpg

What we reported Harris and Montgomery counties both welcome new judges in 2019. After unseating incumbent Judge Craig Doyal in the March 2018 primary, former state Rep. Mark Keough won the seat against Democratic challenger Jay Stittleburg with nearly 75 percent of the vote. Democratic nominee Lina Hidalgo also unseated longtime Harris County Judge Ed Emmett by more than 19,000 votes.

The latest Hidalgo and Keough both officially took office Jan. 1. Keough has stated his top priorities for Montgomery County include reducing county spending and prioritizing law enforcement. Hidalgo announced Jan. 1 she will launch a new civic engagement program to help inform the community about county government.