Report From County Chair Gwen Withrow
This report was presented at the September meeting of the Montgomery County Republican Party’s County Executive Committee (CEC).
September 2, 2025 | Media Inquiries: press@mctxgop.org
by Republican County Chair, Gwen Withrow, mctxgop.org
Welcome all of our Montgomery Precinct Chairs and guests to the County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of the Montgomery Republican Party. I am joined on the podium here tonight by DJ Fike, Party Secretary; Peter Allison, Parliamentarian; and Charles Shirley, Party Treasurer. Also assisting us tonight is Sergeant at Arms: Tim Yockey and Phill Cady. Assisting the Secretary is Neda Henery and Karen White-Hall.
Pre-Meeting Monthly Socials at GuadalaHARRY’s
The party continues with meet and greets before all of our CEC meetings at GuadalaHARRY's restaurant at 4:30pm. I plan to continue these get togethers up until the Primary Election. This is a time for all candidates to speak and visit with Precinct Chairs and with voters in our county. It is a time to relax and enjoy getting to know one another. We need to have fun as a party.
Chairman Withrow hosted the party's monthly social at GuadalaHARRY's at 4:30 pm prior to the September CEC meeting. All Republicans are welcome at the monthly social - invite your friends!
Thank You to Outgoing Vice Chairman, Jon Bouché
I especially want to thank Jon Bouché for his tireless service to the party for three terms as the Vice Chairman of the party. Jon is running for office in the upcoming Primary and will be stepping down to devote himself to that endeavor.
I have appreciated and enjoyed very much working with Jon. I have found him to be steadfast and a man of his word. I could always depend on him to handle the difficult conflicts of the party.
When you get into the political arena, you quickly learn there are many you cannot trust or depend on. I often think of the old saying, “if you need a friend, get a dog.” This saying highlights how rare it is to find someone you can really count on. I value my time with Jon as the Vice Chairman because I have found him to be one of those few people who can be depended on and is truly trustworthy.
Vote for New Vice Chairman
It is my sincere hope that as the Precinct Chairs vote to replace Jon on our leadership team, that they consider someone who will put the party first and not seek to divide or undermine the party. When you belong to an organization such as the county party, I think we all owe it to each other and to those you represent to strive for the advancement, improvement, and success of that organization. Voting is a special responsibility and we have an obligation to put the right people into leadership roles.
Consideration of Resolution to Censure Speaker Burrows
We will be considering a resolution to censure Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows on tonight’s agenda. Such a proposed item is considered a Rule 44 censure with the Texas GOP and will require a roll call vote. It must pass with a two-thirds majority vote and all Precinct Chairs will participate in the vote.
It is important to understand that our resolution, if passed, will be forwarded to the Texas GOP State Republican Executive Committee (SREC). Only the SREC has the power by the vote of its members to impose the penalties described in the resolution before you. So, this resolution, if passed, does not impose the penalty of preventing Speaker Burrows from appearing on a ballot. Only the SREC has that power when voting on resolutions from county parties. This will be the first time a Rule 44 resolution is to be considered by this body.
Moving Into Primary Season
I, as the County Chairman, only have the right to do what is voted on and passed by this body of elected Precinct Chairs. So, I end with this—we are entering the crazy time of Primary Season. Some of you are seasoned pros and some are new to this circus. If, someone tells you that the Montgomery County party is removing candidates from the ballot or endorsing Republicans against Republicans then they would be lying. Campaign rhetoric has been known to stretch the truth, but then there is a flat out lie.
The Primary process is tough, but we seem to have an abundance of candidates this round with more than normal turnover. It is up to us to chose wisely in these races, remembering that each of these candidates is putting themselves forward to provide the voters a choice. It is not easy to run, so thank them for their sacrifice.
Support of Candidates by Precinct Chairs
Concerning supporting candidates, each of you is entitled to work for and support candidates of your choice. The Montgomery County Republican Party will not be endorsing candidates in the Primary, nor will I as the Party Chairman.
Two candidates, however, have been censured by the party and will not be supported by the party. No penalties were assessed against these elected officials and the Chairman will not be removing any candidates from the ballot. Each of you as individuals will make your own choices to honor your commitment to this organization.
Since I came into leadership of the party, we have been using the state party guidance concerning endorsing in non-partisan races. This was adopted six years ago by the state party to combat the onslaught of Democrats gaining ground in the local non-partisan races. It is not a secret the harm that this practice has done to our cities and schools—even in red counties. These races are not the same as the Primary, which we will have in March. I am extremely proud of the efforts we made in the Conroe School Board race. I think the majority of the Precinct Chairs agree that it was an effort worth taking. You as a body can continue the efforts in the non-partisan races or decide to allow the Democrats a foothold in our county.
Headquarters Search
Moving on with party business, Precinct 87 Chair and Steering Committee Member, Robert Walker, has been selected to head up a search for the best headquarters solutions for the next biennium. I am confident he will do a thorough job in researching possibilities. We have some talented and skilled Precinct Chairs who might want to participate in this endeavor and I suggest you contact Robert about working with his team. We will have updates and vote toward the end of this lease, which will be Summer 2026.
Chairman Withrow attended the August meeting of The Woodlands Republican Women and is shown with Congressional District 2 candidates and Conroe ISD school board members.
She introduced Texas Senator Mayes Middleton (SD 11) at the Montgomery County Tea Party meeting on September 1. She will be attending the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) meeting September 4-5.
