Governor Abbott appoints Mike R. Holley as Montgomery County District Attorney

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Michael R.“Mike” Holley as the new Montgomery County District Attorney, following the resignation of Brett Ligon, who is departing after 17 years of distinguished service to pursue a seat in the Texas Senate representing District 4.

Holley has served as First Assistant District Attorney under Ligon since 2016, helping lead one of the most respected prosecutor’s offices in the state. A decorated Army veteran, seasoned trial attorney, and board certified expert in criminal law, Holley brings more than two decades of courtroom experience and leadership to his new role.

“I’m deeply honored by Governor Abbott’s trust and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Montgomery County,” said Holley.“Our office has always stood for integrity, accountability, and public safety, and that mission will remain our foundation moving forward.”

A summa cum laude graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law, Holley graduated fourth in his class and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He earned multiple awards for ethics and achievement, later earning an LL.M. in Military Law from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Holley began his legal career in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he prosecuted and defended criminal cases and ultimately led the prosecution of the Abu Ghraib detainee abuse cases, one of the most high-profile missions in modern military law. He later served as a Professor of Criminal Law at the JAG School before joining renowned Texas trial lawyer Mark Lanier at The Lanier Law Firm.

In 2012, Holley returned to public service, joining the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, where his work ethic, courtroom skill, and natural leadership quickly distinguished him among his peers. By 2016, he was appointed First Assistant District Attorney, serving alongside D.A. Brett Ligon to guide prosecutors, oversee the day-to-day operations of the office, and ensure the fair and effective prosecution of cases throughout Montgomery County.

Outgoing District Attorney Brett Ligon praised the appointment, saying,“Mike Holley is one of the finest prosecutors and leaders I’ve ever known. His character, judgment, and dedication to this community make him an ideal choice to continue the mission in Montgomery County, and the people of this county will be well served under his guidance.”

Governor Abbott’s appointment of Holley ensures a seamless transition in leadership and continued excellence in service to the community.