Mike Holley has served Montgomery County as a prosecutor since 2012. His career includes more than thirteen years in the U.S. Army, six years in civil trial practice in Houston, and a decade in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him District Attorney in October 2025. Now he is asking voters to let him continue the job.
Key Takeaways
- 13+ years of U.S. Army service, including as a JAG Corps lawyer
- Board Certified in Criminal Law
- Montgomery County prosecutor since 2012 and First Assistant DA since 2016
- Appointed District Attorney in October 2025
- Law degree from Texas Tech, with a Master of Laws from the Army’s JAG school
Mike Holley’s career has taken him from military service and courtrooms overseas to civil practice in Houston and criminal prosecution in Montgomery County. In his words, each assignment reinforced the same obligation: know your job, do the work, and remember the people who depend on you.
Service in the United States Army
Holley served more than thirteen years in the Army, first as a military police officer and then as a lawyer in the JAG Corps. His assignments included:
- Prosecuting cases with the XVIII Airborne Corps.
- Serving as senior defense counsel in Korea, Japan, and Thailand.
- Serving as chief prosecutor in the Abu Ghraib detainee-abuse cases in Iraq.
- Teaching criminal law and trial advocacy at the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Working as both prosecutor and defense attorney taught him to examine a case from every angle. It also taught him to respect the responsibility that comes with the power to prosecute. Military service, he says, taught him to lead under pressure and hold to high standards.
Trial Experience in Private Practice
After leaving the Army, Holley spent six years at The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, working on complex civil litigation. The work sharpened his trial skills and reinforced the value of careful preparation and clear communication, both of which matter when a case goes before a jury.
Serving Montgomery County
Holley joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office in 2012. He prosecuted felony cases and led the Misdemeanor Division. In 2016, then-DA Brett Ligon selected him as First Assistant District Attorney. In that role, he helped lead the office, develop prosecutors, and oversee daily operations while still handling serious cases.
In October 2025, Governor Greg Abbott appointed him District Attorney. He leads an office focused on public safety, ethical prosecution, and service to victims.
Education and Qualifications
- Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board certification is a recognition of specialized experience and knowledge in the field.
- Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, Abilene Christian University
- Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, Texas Tech University School of Law
- Master of Laws (LL.M.), The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School
The Role of the District Attorney in Montgomery County
The District Attorney leads the office that prosecutes criminal cases in the county, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The DA also works with local law enforcement and sets the standards prosecutors follow. Public trust depends on that work being done ethically and openly, with victims treated as people, not case numbers.
Why Experience Matters
Many of the DA’s responsibilities are ones Holley has already handled in earlier roles:
- Trying cases: felony and misdemeanor prosecution in Montgomery County, plus military prosecution and defense.
- Leading prosecutors: he led the Misdemeanor Division and then helped run the whole office as First Assistant.
- Training others: he taught trial advocacy at the Army’s JAG school and developed prosecutors in the DA’s Office.
- Seeing both sides of a case: his time as a defense counsel informs how he approaches the power to prosecute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Holley?
Mike Holley is the Montgomery County District Attorney. He was appointed in October 2025 by Governor Greg Abbott and is now running to keep the job. He has worked as a prosecutor in the county since 2012.
What experience does Mike have in the DA’s Office?
He prosecuted felony cases and led the Misdemeanor Division. In 2016, he became First Assistant District Attorney, where he helped lead the office and train prosecutors.
What does the District Attorney do?
The DA leads the office that prosecutes criminal cases in Montgomery County. The DA also works with local law enforcement and makes sure victims are treated with respect.
Is this the official District Attorney’s Office website?
No, this is a campaign website. For official office business, visit www.mctxdao.org. In an emergency, call 911.
How can I support Mike’s campaign?
You can donate on the Give page, volunteer through the Get Involved page, or add your name on the Endorsements page. The campaign fundraiser and holiday celebration is December 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Why Mike Holley Is the Right Choice for Montgomery County District Attorney
Mike Holley has served Montgomery County as a prosecutor since 2012, after more than thirteen years in the U.S. Army and six years in civil trial practice in Houston. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law, became First Assistant District Attorney in 2016, and was appointed District Attorney in October 2025. That experience shapes how he leads the office.
As the Montgomery County District Attorney, Mike is focused on public safety, ethical prosecution, and service to victims across Conroe and the surrounding communities.
Have questions about Mike’s campaign, or want to help keep an experienced prosecutor in the DA’s office? Contact us today to ask a question, volunteer, or find out how you can support Mike Holley for Montgomery County District Attorney.
