Mark Keough seeks to unite constituents

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Texas State Representative Mark Keough runs unopposed this year, and instead of pushing a reelection campaign, the incumbent seeks to build relationships in The Woodlands community and unite his constituents.

Keough spent 26 years in the automotive industry, and during his career, he and his wife Kim Keough actively served in Christian ministry. They started a Sunday morning class that eventually became a church. Seeing the growth of their class spurred Keough to leave his automotive career behind and pursue ministry full time. He was later solicited to run for office, and although he went back and forth trying to decide if this was something he would take on, his wife’s support reassured him that the foray into running for public office would be a good move.

“I married way over my head. I’m not in denial at all,” Keough said. “I wouldn’t have done this if Kim had not stood with me.”

During his first term in office, Keough authored 30 bills, joint-authored 29 bills and co-authored 70 bills. Of those bills, 45 were signed by the Governor as laws. One of his bigger contributions to the state legislature was his service and leadership on the committee for foster care. Through his role, he was able to help pass a bill that allowed children in foster care to live in homes where the parents homeschooled their children. He said his secret to getting things done while in office was taking the time to read each and every bill in his committee.

Looking forward to another term in office, Keough seeks to be an advocate for states’ rights and urge unity among a divided country. He believes in finding common ground with all of his constituents rather than picking apart the differences of opinion. One of the ways he works to bring this unity is through maintaining open, clear communication with the local community leaders and members. Keough also knows that clean and honest communication plays a big role in serving his constituents.

“I believe that you don’t have to be mean spirited, vitriolic and disingenuous to get things done. I don’t believe that is an example of statesmanship,” Keough said. “As long as the people of this community will give me the opportunity to serve them, I will do my very best to bring people together.”