Williams leads Montgomery for Harris County civil court seat

Ebony N. Williams, a Democrat, leads with 811,739 votes, or 61.5%, to Republican Mark Montgomery's 508,942 votes, or 38.5%, with all 1,224 reporting units counted, according to unofficial results from Harris County Clerk Elections Department. Williams led by 302,797 votes. The candidates are seeking to succeed outgoing Judge Jim Kovach, who was first elected to the bench in 2018, according to a Harris County courts press release.

What was at stake

Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2 hears eviction appeals, eminent domain disputes, debt claims and lawsuits up to $325,000, according to the Houston Chronicle's endorsement editorial. Judges on the court are required to hold a law degree.

The key issues:

• Both candidates stressed fairness, efficiency and treating litigants respectfully, according to the Chronicle editorial board.
• Both said they supported making court proceedings publicly accessible and said they would perform weddings for same-sex couples.
• Williams, according to the Chronicle, said she was committed to expanding legal-aid resources and spreading court appointments fairly.

The winner will oversee a docket that touches Harris County residents facing evictions, property disputes and mid-size civil claims.

A little history

Williams brought 15 years of legal experience, including work at the Texas Attorney General's Office and her own law firm, according to the Chronicle. She was appointed to a civil court at law panel on eminent domain disputes.

Montgomery, a retired Houston Police Department lieutenant with 25 years of service, said in a candidate questionnaire that he has practiced law for more than 28 years. He graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1998 and handled civil and family-law matters, litigation and mediation. He had not previously held elected or appointed office, according to his questionnaire responses.

Kovach, the outgoing judge, served as Administrative Judge for the five county civil courts at law starting Jan. 1, 2026, and had handled more than 10,000 cases during his tenure, according to the Harris County courts press release.

What's next

The results remain unofficial until Harris County Commissioners Court completes the local canvass. The Texas Secretary of State's election advisory sets the canvass deadline at Nov. 17. The totals are not yet certified, and this article does not declare a winner.

Under Texas Government Code, the regular term for a county office begins Jan. 1 of the year following the general election. The term lasts four years.

Election results: Harris County Civil Court-at-Law Judge - Court 2 (Texas General Election, 2026-11-03)

Source: Harris County Clerk Elections Department. Results current as of Nov. 4, 2026, 8:39 a.m. CST. Reporting: 1,224 of 1,224. Unofficial results; every reporting unit has reported.