MCRP Opts Not to Endorse Incumbent State Reps

**Montgomery County GOP Breaks Tradition, Declines to Endorse Incumbent State Reps Bell and Metcalf**

CONROE, TX – In a significant departure from long-standing practice, the Montgomery County Republican Party (MCRP) has voted not to endorse incumbent State Representatives Cecil Bell Jr. (House District 3) and Will Metcalf (House District 16) for their 2025 re-election bids. The decision, reached at a contentious MCRP Executive Committee meeting on Monday, November 27th, signals a deepening internal rift within the local party ahead of the March 2024 primary election.

A resolution to back the two lawmakers failed by a narrow 18-20 vote, leaving Bell and Metcalf without the official party endorsement typically extended to Republican incumbents in Montgomery County. The non-endorsement does not prevent either representative from running as a Republican in the primary.

The heart of the controversy traces back to votes taken during the 88th Legislative Session earlier this year in Austin. A conservative faction within the MCRP, prominently led by State Representative Steve Toth (House District 15), argued that Bell and Metcalf’s voting records did not sufficiently align with core conservative principles on key legislative matters.

Specifically, their votes on two bills drew pointed criticism:
* **HB 1442**, which addressed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education. This bill aimed to restrict or eliminate DEI offices and programs at Texas public universities. Critics of Bell and Metcalf’s votes likely felt they did not support the most stringent measures or voted for amendments that softened the bill’s impact, which was a priority for many conservatives.
* **HB 240**, a crucial measure regarding school choice and education savings accounts (ESAs). This highly debated bill, a top priority for Governor Greg Abbott and many Republicans, sought to create a program allowing state funds to follow students to private schools or be used for other educational expenses. Public education advocates and some rural Republicans expressed concerns about its impact on traditional public schools. The criticism suggests Bell and Metcalf’s votes were seen as insufficient in their support for a robust school choice program, a cornerstone issue for the conservative base.

“The purpose of the resolution was to foster unity and avoid primary challenges,” said State Representative Steve Toth, who sponsored the resolution to endorse. “However, when representatives do not consistently vote in line with the conservative principles that define our party, the grassroots have a right to hold them accountable. This vote reflects a strong desire for representatives who will champion true conservative values on issues like school choice and higher education.”

MCRP Chairman Bryan Christ, while not casting a vote himself, spoke against the resolution, suggesting the endorsement action was premature. “The filing deadline for the March 2024 primary election isn’t until December 11th. Taking an endorsement action at this stage, before the full slate of potential candidates is even known, risks further fracturing the party rather than uniting it,” Christ stated. “My focus is on ensuring a strong Republican showing in the general election, and that means allowing our voters to choose the best conservative candidate in the primary without the party taking an official position too early.”

Representatives Bell and Metcalf expressed disappointment with the committee’s decision.

“I am a proven conservative who has consistently fought for the values of Montgomery County and Texas,” said Representative Cecil Bell Jr. “My voting record is transparent, and I stand by my decisions to represent the best interests of my constituents. I will continue to work hard to earn the trust of the voters in House District 3 and look forward to running for re-election.”

Representative Will Metcalf added, “It’s disheartening to see the party break tradition, especially after a legislative session where I worked diligently to deliver conservative results for our community. I am proud of my conservative record and remain committed to serving the people of House District 16. I intend to run for re-election and will continue to be a strong voice for our shared values.”

This non-endorsement marks a stark departure for the MCRP, which has historically provided unified support for its Republican incumbents, particularly in a reliably red county like Montgomery. The last time the party took such a public stance against an incumbent is not immediately clear, underscoring the significance of this move.

The decision is expected to embolden potential primary challengers who may now view Bell and Metcalf as more vulnerable without the official backing and resources of the local party. While the MCRP’s non-endorsement does not translate to active opposition, it effectively withdraws a critical layer of party support, potentially impacting fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and the perception of legitimacy among some conservative voters.

With the December 11th filing deadline fast approaching for the March 5, 2024, primary election, this development signals a renewed and deepening internal rift within the Montgomery County GOP, potentially setting the stage for highly competitive and ideologically charged primary battles in House Districts 3 and 16. The outcome of these races could reshape the county’s representation in the Texas Legislature and reflect the ongoing ideological struggles within the state’s Republican Party.