Mark Montgomery, a Republican attorney and retired Houston Police Department lieutenant, is running for Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2 in the Nov. 3 general election.
Montgomery, who has never held elected or appointed public office, ran unsuccessfully for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 6 in 2022. He said he is seeking the bench because his career in law enforcement and law prepared him for the role.
"I want to bring fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and a deep respect for the rule of law to the court—working every day to reduce delays and ensure that every litigant, regardless of background or resources, has meaningful access to justice," Montgomery said in a questionnaire response to Surround Sound News.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2
- Party: Republican
- Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Houston, 1993; Juris Doctor, South Texas College of Law, 1998
- Family: Father of three daughters and one son, three stepsons and one stepdaughter, three grandsons and one granddaughter
- Website: montgomeryforjudge.com
Experience and public service
Montgomery served 25 years with the Houston Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. He was named Houston Police Officer of the Year in 1989 and received the Meritorious Service Award, according to his questionnaire response.
While working full time for the department, Montgomery attended classes every semester beginning in 1991 and completed his bachelor's degree in December 1993. He earned his law degree in May 1998, also while working full time, and passed the state bar exam that year.
During his police career, Montgomery served as one of the attorneys advising the chief of police. After retiring from the department, he served as director of security at Houston First from 2017 to 2020, according to his profile data.
Montgomery has practiced law for more than 28 years, handling civil and family law cases, litigation and mediation. He runs a private law practice and also holds a real estate license. He has been recognized by Attorney and Practice Magazine as a Top 10 Family Law Attorney and is a member of the Texas Bar College, according to his questionnaire response.
On the issues
Judicial philosophy: Montgomery said his career has been dedicated to public service and protecting the rule of law. He said he wants to ensure every person who enters his courtroom is treated with dignity, respect and fairness, according to his candidate profile.
What sets him apart: Montgomery said the critical difference between himself and other candidates is the depth of his courtroom and public service experience. He cited his combination of law enforcement decision-making, trial practice and mediation as practical preparation for the kinds of issues that come before a county civil court at law.
Endorsements
Montgomery has received endorsements from the Houston Police Officers' Union, the Houston Realty Business Coalition and the Conservative Coalition of Harris County, according to his profile data.
Montgomery faces Democrat Ebony Williams on Nov. 3.
