Beyond the 806
Dark money in Texas Senate race spurs Talarico complaint to FEC against Paxton - CBS News
A Democratic candidate for Texas Senate has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission accusing a super PAC backing Republican nominee Ken Paxton of funneling more than $1 million in anonymous donations through a Virginia-based nonprofit with direct ties to Paxton's own campaign. The complaint centers on a group called Preserve Texas, Inc., which sent four checks totaling over $1 million to a super PAC supporting Paxton.
The complaint centers on a group called Preserve Texas, Inc., which sent four checks totaling over $1 million to a super PAC supporting Paxton. Preserve Texas is not registered as a political committee and has not filed paperwork with the FEC, meaning the original source of that money is unknown to the public. The nonprofit was incorporated in Virginia by John Plishka, who also serves as the treasurer for Paxton's Senate campaign.
The complaint was filed by the campaign of Paxton's Democratic opponent, state Rep. James Talarico. The arrangement is part of a broader surge in anonymous, large-dollar political giving that has become more common in American elections. Because Preserve Texas operates as a nonprofit rather than a political committee, it faces none of the disclosure requirements that would otherwise reveal its donors.
For Texas voters trying to follow the money in one of the state's highest-profile Senate races, the complaint puts a spotlight on a structure specifically designed to keep that information out of public view.
The man who incorporated the nonprofit also signs the checks for the candidate those donors are trying to elect.
Common questions
What is the FEC complaint against Ken Paxton about?
- The complaint accuses a super PAC supporting Paxton of funneling over $1 million in anonymous donations through a Virginia nonprofit called Preserve Texas, Inc. That group was incorporated by the same person who serves as treasurer for Paxton's Senate campaign, raising questions about coordination and donor disclosure.
Who is Preserve Texas, Inc. and why does it matter?
- Preserve Texas, Inc. is a Virginia-based nonprofit that sent four checks totaling more than $1 million to a pro-Paxton super PAC. It is not registered as a political committee and has filed no FEC paperwork, meaning the original donors behind that money remain completely unknown to the public.
Stay in the loop
Weekly Lubbock news, deals, and events. Free.
Read next
At state education board, Texans debate how Islam should be portrayed in high school history classes - Community Impact
JD Vance reacts to airstrike that killed four at Iran wedding: ‘Things happen’ - The Guardian
ICE officer charged with lying to investigators in the shooting of Venezuelan man, AP source says - AP News