Neftali Cruz, Precinct 78 Chair, The Woodlands
THE WOODLANDS, TX — At just 18 years old, Neftali Cruz is the youngest elected Republican Precinct Chair in Montgomery County GOP history, serving Precinct 78 in The Woodlands. The precinct includes Carlton Woods and Sterling Ridge and represents more than 5,300 registered voters.
For Cruz, the position is more than a distinction. It is an opportunity to serve and participate in the community where he grew up.
A Carlton Woods resident and graduate of The Woodlands High School, Cruz has developed a diverse record of civic involvement while studying Public Administration and gaining experience in the private sector.
In addition to serving as Precinct Chair, Cruz recently joined the Texas Patriots PAC Executive Advisory Committee. He also serves as Chair of the Montgomery County Republican Party's Youth Outreach Committee and Vice President of the Montgomery County Young Republicans, where he works to encourage younger people to become involved in civic life.
These roles build on an interest in civic engagement that Cruz began developing while still in high school. He previously helped relaunch the Turning Point USA chapter at The Woodlands High School, giving him an early opportunity to engage fellow students in civic discussions and youth involvement.
Cruz's political experience also includes serving as a former congressional campaign advisor and working as a former congressional and U.S. Senate campaign aide, giving him firsthand experience with political campaigns, grassroots organizing, and community outreach.
His involvement has also been recognized through congressional leadership programs and certifications, including the Summit for Emerging American Leaders (S.E.A.L.) and a Congressional Certificate of Success. He has also received an Honor & Excellence Degree from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) for his work in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
But Cruz's experience extends beyond civic and political involvement. He is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and German, and has professional experience in the private construction sector. His work has included project management, field operations, estimating, coordinating up to 50 workers at a time across multiple crews, managing demanding schedules, and working with multi-million-dollar project budgets and proposals.
That combination of experiences has given Cruz exposure to different sides of community life, from civic engagement and public administration to business, construction, and workforce management.
I believe some of the best leadership comes from understanding different perspectives and experiences. Studying Public Administration, working in the private sector, and serving my community have each taught me something different about leadership, responsibility, and the people we serve. I want to take those lessons with me as I continue growing and finding new ways to contribute.
Bringing Young People Into Civic Life
While Cruz has taken on a number of leadership roles at a young age, his current focus is increasingly centered on helping other young people find their own path into civic life.
He is currently conducting a countywide tour throughout Montgomery County, meeting with young people who are beginning to explore leadership and community involvement. The effort gives Cruz an opportunity to hear their perspectives, discuss their interests, and encourage them to become more engaged in their communities.
For Cruz, civic engagement does not have to begin with a position or title. It can start with volunteering, attending a community meeting, learning about local issues, or simply having a conversation with someone who is already involved.
I don't think young people should feel like they have to wait until they're older to get involved. You can start by volunteering, attending a meeting, learning about your community, or simply talking to people around you.
That message will continue at the upcoming 2026 Texas Youth Summit, where Cruz has been invited to participate as a Special Guest. The event will bring together young people interested in leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement. For Cruz, the summit represents another opportunity to connect with young people and encourage them to see civic participation as something they can begin today.
Rooted in The Woodlands
Despite his growing involvement throughout Montgomery County, Cruz's connection to The Woodlands remains central to his story. He grew up in the community, attended The Woodlands High School, and now serves a precinct that includes the neighborhood where he lives.
This is home for me. I want to continue learning, continue meeting people, and encourage more young people to get involved in their community.
As his involvement in Montgomery County continues to grow, Cruz has also begun taking a more active voice in local affairs, recently announcing his first local endorsements.
At 18, Cruz represents a generation beginning to find its place in civic life. His experience already spans local leadership, youth outreach, congressional and campaign work, leadership development, competitive debate, and private-sector management. But for Cruz, the goal is not simply to hold a title. It is to use the opportunities he has been given to encourage others to participate as well.
Through his countywide tour, growing involvement in local affairs, and upcoming participation in the Texas Youth Summit, Cruz is working to show young people that civic engagement is not something they have to wait for. There are opportunities to participate, contribute, and make an impact right now.
The next generation is already here. And Cruz believes it's time to get involved.
See him this weekend
Neftali Cruz is a Special Guest at the Texas Youth Summit, October 9 and 10, 2026 at The Woodlands Marriott. Tickets at texasyouthsummit.com/events.
