Robbie McDonough
Challenger Robbie McDonough is running for HISD Trustee, District V in Houston, Texas. The election was held on November 4, 2025.
I’m running for School Board Trustee because our students deserve an education as great as our city. As the parents of two HISD students, my wife Ashley and I know firsthand what’s at stake. We chose HISD for our family because we believe in public education, and we want to help make sure it works for everyone.
The state’s takeover of HISD has silenced our community’s voice. I’m committed to restoring locally accountable, democratic governance—and ensuring that local control is exercised responsibly to improve student outcomes. At the same time, I’m pragmatic: restoring local control will require leaders who can collaborate with the TEA, even when we disagree.
As a trial attorney and former business counsel, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems—often by working with people who see the world differently. I believe in listening more than talking, building consensus, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on results. Politics don’t belong in our classrooms—excellence does.
I’ve led in the courtroom, in business, in nonprofits, and in my church. I’ve negotiated multimillion-dollar agreements, managed crisis responses, and advocated for everyday people when it mattered most. I bring to this role the same skills that have guided me throughout my career: strategic thinking, clear communication, and the courage to do what’s right—even when it’s hard.
As trustee, I will be focused on one thing: student success. I’ll champion local school autonomy, paired with real, data-driven accountability. Our campuses and educators deserve the flexibility to innovate—along with the support and clear goals needed to help every student thrive.
Ashley and I are both proud products of Texas public schools and desire a strong public education foundation for all HISD students. After high school, I earned a B.A. in Political Science from Southern Methodist University and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law. I’ve been a licensed Texas attorney since 2008—and I’m ready to serve our schools with the same dedication and integrity that has guided my work for over 15 years.
The state’s takeover of HISD has silenced our community’s voice. I’m committed to restoring locally accountable, democratic governance—and ensuring that local control is exercised responsibly to improve student outcomes. At the same time, I’m pragmatic: restoring local control will require leaders who can collaborate with the TEA, even when we disagree.
As a trial attorney and former business counsel, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems—often by working with people who see the world differently. I believe in listening more than talking, building consensus, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on results. Politics don’t belong in our classrooms—excellence does.
I’ve led in the courtroom, in business, in nonprofits, and in my church. I’ve negotiated multimillion-dollar agreements, managed crisis responses, and advocated for everyday people when it mattered most. I bring to this role the same skills that have guided me throughout my career: strategic thinking, clear communication, and the courage to do what’s right—even when it’s hard.
As trustee, I will be focused on one thing: student success. I’ll champion local school autonomy, paired with real, data-driven accountability. Our campuses and educators deserve the flexibility to innovate—along with the support and clear goals needed to help every student thrive.
Ashley and I are both proud products of Texas public schools and desire a strong public education foundation for all HISD students. After high school, I earned a B.A. in Political Science from Southern Methodist University and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law. I’ve been a licensed Texas attorney since 2008—and I’m ready to serve our schools with the same dedication and integrity that has guided my work for over 15 years.
