HD 16 Republican Primary: Metcalf vs. Bewley

**Conroe, Texas** — Voters in Texas House District 16 are set to make a significant choice in the March 5 Republican primary election, as incumbent State Representative Will Metcalf seeks re-election against challenger Matthew Bewley, a political newcomer. The outcome of this race, which encompasses a vital and rapidly growing portion of Montgomery County including Conroe, Montgomery, and Willis, will determine the Republican nominee to represent the district in the Texas House.

**The Incumbent: Will Metcalf’s Record and Platform**
Will Metcalf, a local realtor, has served District 16 since his initial election in 2014, taking office in January 2015. Over his tenure, Metcalf has established a legislative record emphasizing fiscal conservatism and border security. His current campaign centers on continuing his efforts in property tax relief, enhancing border security measures, and boosting public education funding while safeguarding what he refers to as “Texas values.”

Metcalf frequently highlights his legislative achievements, including his support for key bills passed during recent legislative sessions. He points to measures like House Bill 2, which increased penalties for human smuggling, and Senate Bill 4, which allows state law enforcement to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing the border – both central to Governor Abbott’s border initiatives. On education, Metcalf supported Senate Bill 100, aimed at increasing public school funding, and he championed broader tax cuts through Senate Bill 2, which included a constitutional amendment (Proposition 4) overwhelmingly approved by voters last November to reduce property taxes.

Metcalf has garnered strong endorsements from prominent state figures, including Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, underscoring his alignment with the state’s Republican leadership. He asserts his motivation to continue advocating for Montgomery County’s specific priorities and conservative principles in Austin. Metcalf’s campaign website, *www.willmetcalf.com*, details his legislative voting record and policy positions.

**The Challenger: Matthew Bewley’s Vision for Change**
Matthew Bewley, a software company owner, is making his first foray into public office. Bewley’s platform signals a desire for significant reform and a return to what he describes as core conservative values. His key campaign planks include advocating for school choice, comprehensive property tax reform beyond current measures, strengthening border security, and protecting parental rights in education.

Bewley also calls for a reduction in government spending and an end to “corporate welfare,” arguing that current property taxes are excessively burdensome for Texans and that the public education system requires substantial overhaul. He has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of existing legislative efforts and emphasizes a need for new leadership to tackle these economic and educational challenges directly. Bewley’s campaign website, *www.bewleyforhou.com*, provides further insight into his policy proposals and vision.

**Key Issues in District 16**
The race reflects broader debates within the Republican Party and across Texas. Both candidates prioritize border security and property tax relief, issues consistently ranking high among Republican voters. However, their approaches and specific proposals offer distinct choices.

* **Property Taxes:** While Metcalf highlights recent tax cuts, Bewley suggests they don’t go far enough, pushing for more aggressive reform. Property taxes remain a top concern for homeowners in Montgomery County, one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.
* **Education:** Metcalf supports increased public education funding, while Bewley strongly champions school choice initiatives, a significant point of divergence on a critical issue for families in the district.
* **Government Spending & “Texas Values”:** Bewley’s call to reduce government spending and end “corporate welfare” resonates with a segment of conservative voters seeking leaner government. Metcalf’s emphasis on “Texas values” broadly covers cultural and social conservative issues important to the district.

Montgomery County, a reliably Republican stronghold, has seen rapid population growth in recent years, drawing new residents seeking its quality of life and proximity to Houston. The district’s voters are largely conservative, making primary elections often the most decisive contest for local representation.

**Voter Information for Election Day**
The Republican primary election will be held on **Tuesday, March 5, 2024**. Polling places across Texas House District 16 will be open from **7:00 AM to 7:00 PM**.

Voters are reminded to bring a valid form of photo identification. Acceptable forms include a Texas Driver’s License, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas Personal Identification Card, Texas Handgun License, U.S. Military ID Card, U.S. Citizenship Certificate (with photo), or U.S. Passport.

To find your specific polling location on Election Day, voters can visit the Montgomery County Elections Office website at *www.mctx.org/departments/departments_a-f/elections_administration/index.php* or use the Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” tool at *www.votetexas.gov*.

The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the general election in November, where they are expected to face a Democratic challenger, though the primary often serves as the most competitive race in this deeply conservative district.