Melissa McDonough is a long-time Harris County resident with more than 20 years of experience as a volunteer lobbyist and over 30 years as a real estate broker and brokerage owner. Born in Marietta, Ohio, she has been active in the Harris County community for nearly three decades. McDonough is affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS and the Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association. She serves as an election judge and community organizer. McDonough won the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, defeating Marvalette Hunter and Theresa Courts. She will face the Republican primary runoff winner in the November 2026 general election.
McDonough has been deeply involved in Harris County community life for nearly 30 years. She is married to Tim McDonough and has two sons, both of whom have military/defense backgrounds. She has volunteered extensively in schools, taught private music lessons, and worked as a volunteer clinician in public schools.