Monica Riley, affectionately known as “Mountain Movin’ Monica,” stood victorious once again as she was sworn into her second term as the Missouri City Council Member for District A. On Monday, November 18, 2024, amidst a jubilant and diverse crowd of supporters, Riley’s triumph reverberated not just in the chambers but across the community she passionately serves. From scraping by with a nail-biting five-vote victory in her first term to an awe-inspiring landslide win with over 5,000 votes—securing a commanding 79.75%—Riley’s journey is nothing short of transformative.

“I’m not finished with what I’ve started,” declared Riley, surrounded by five of her seven daughters, endearingly known as the “Radical Rileys” for their determination to inspire and enact change. With a twinkle of gratitude in her eyes, she reflected, “I’m thankful to God, my family, and the incredible people of District A, Missouri City, and Fort Bend and Harris Counties. Together, we’ve been moving mountains, and we’re only getting started.”

A Lifelong Advocate

Riley’s connection to her community runs deep. As a proud graduate of Willowridge High School—the first high school in Missouri City—her roots are firmly planted in the area she now represents. Beyond her time in the military and her academic pursuits, Riley has devoted her life to Fort Bend County and Missouri City. Her journey to leadership began with tireless service to her HOA and the successful development of her businesses. When her neighbors called upon her to run for office, she answered with resilience and defiance, challenging the political establishment to secure her first term.

“Missouri City is my home. It’s where my husband Larry and I built our life, raised our daughters, and dreamed of a brighter future for our neighbors,” Riley shared. Her ability to bridge gaps across race, religion, and regional divides has made her a unifying force, determined to build a better, more inclusive Fort Bend County. 

A Bold Vision for District A

Riley’s accomplishments during her first term have set a high bar for progress. From securing parkland in Harris County to ensuring vital street and sidewalk repairs, her dedication to infrastructure improvements has been unwavering. Her advocacy for police pay raises and her commitment to keeping taxes “fair and rare” exemplify her focus on fostering a safe and equitable community.

Addressing her supporters, Riley said, “We’ve worked hard as a community to move forward with breakneck speed. This victory isn’t just mine—it’s ours. To the voters, taxpayers, and families of this district, I love you and promise to keep fighting for you. Together, we’ll continue to make Missouri City a shining example of what’s possible.”

A Night of Celebration

The evening also marked victories for other city leaders. District B Council Member Jeffrey Boney celebrated another unopposed term, with his wife Sharwin and their three children cheering him on. Floyd Emery of District D was similarly sworn in for another term, with his wife Linda and their two sons by his side.

Meanwhile, Joanna Ouderkirk emerged as the top vote-getter in the District C race, garnering 39% of the vote in a competitive five-person field. Backed by outgoing incumbent Anthony Maroulis, Ouderkirk—a dedicated community volunteer and entrepreneur—now heads into a December runoff.

Building a Legacy

Houston Style Magazine readers, as Missouri City moves forward under the leadership of dedicated public servants like Riley, the spirit of unity and progress burns bright. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, reminding all that with determination, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to community, mountains can indeed be moved.

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