Party Press Releases - Kerr County Democrats

Any pertinent press releases will be posted here.

For Immediate Release

August 10, 2026

Contact: Ryan Martin,Rmartin@txdemocrats.org

Paxton Has Made Millions Off Secret Cell Tower At A Frisco Hospital Where He Sits On The Board [New York Times]

AUSTIN, TX — A bombshell investigation by the NY Times revealed one of Corrupt Ken Paxton’s “top sources of income”: a cell phone tower on the Baylor, Scott & White Medical Center that Paxton seemingly self-dealt himself as he sat on the hospital board.

According to the report, Paxton has made a lucrative six figures every 18 months from this cell tower going back to 2006, just three years after he joined the hospital board. Industry experts said the cell tower Paxton seemingly gave himself a deal on is in a “prime spot” and described it as a “guy that steps to bat and hits a home run off one swing.” Paxton has become a multimillionaire on a taxpayer-funded salary over the last decade – including an estimated net worth of $13 million and 15 properties across five states. Paxton has continuously refused to answer questions on how he has gotten rich on a government salary despite allegations of bribery and corruption.

Texas Democratic Party Spokesperson Ryan Martin:

“Ken Paxton self-dealing himself a lucrative cell tower by leveraging his position as a board member is classic corruption. Paxton has made millions while serving in public office, and Texans deserve answers. Paxton is rigging the system to help himself get rich, while working Texans struggle – and it is exactly why Texans will be kicking him to the curb in November.”

Read for yourself:

New York Times: One Source of Paxton’s Wealth: A Cell Tower at a Hospital He Knew Well

August 10, 2026

By Lauren McGaughy

Over the course of Ken Paxton’s decade-long rise to prominence, through scandal and turmoil, questions about his finances have followed him. Opponents scrutinized his real estate holdings and suggested that he has used his public office to enrich himself personally
With Mr. Paxton locked in a close, contentious race for U.S. Senate in Texas, his Democratic opponent has questioned how Mr. Paxton, the state attorney general, has amassed a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio on a public servant’s salary.
Now, Mr. Paxton’s federal financial disclosure forms and additional records obtained by The New York Times shed light on one unusual source of his income: a cellular tower company from which Mr. Paxton made between $100,000 and $1 million about every 18 months.
The company controls at least one tower in a city north of Dallas that was erected around 20 years ago on the property of a hospital where Mr. Paxton was a board member.
Mr. Paxton co-founded the company, Premier Vertical Properties, in 2005; he reported serving on the board of the hospital, Centennial Medical Center, from 2003 to 2013. Records show that Premier signed a deal to lease space on the tower to T-Mobile in 2006; the hospital’s parent company at the time, Tenet Hospitals, was mentioned in the lease agreements.
The terms of any agreement that may have been struck between Mr. Paxton’s company and the hospital are not clear. Tenet did not respond to questions, and the hospital’s current administration said it could not provide information about a deal made before its tenure.
Industry experts said a hospital’s board would need to review and approve a decision to lease land to a cell tower company such as Premier. It is not clear whether Mr. Paxton, as a board member, voted on any contract between the hospital and his company, or whether he had participated in any such discussions.
Industry experts expressed surprise that a cell tower in a prime spot — near a highway and a hospital in a busy area — would be snapped up by a cell tower company like Mr. Paxton’s, which had been created only the year before, and not by a larger, more established firm.
“It’s basically like the guy that steps to bat and hits a home run off one swing,” said Hugh Odom, who runs a cell tower consulting firm that exclusively represents landowners.
Mr. Paxton formed Premier Vertical Properties with Richard Sine in 2005, state business records show. The company listed Mr. Paxton’s then-private practice law office in McKinney as the company’s address.
Less than a year later, Premier signed a 10-year agreement with T-Mobile for the wireless network operator to lease space on a cell tower the company controlled in Frisco, according to property records filed in Collin County. The hospital property, owned by Tenet Hospitals at the time, is listed as the location for the cell tower in the T-Mobile agreement, as well as for agreements with Verizon and DISH Wireless that were signed later, after Mr. Paxton left the hospital’s board.
Mr. Sine’s signature is on all three lease agreements. While Mr. Paxton’s is not, the site name on the T-Mobile paperwork is called “Paxton MP.”
Mr. Sine, who has a background in the telecommunications industry, did not respond to multiple inquiries about Premier.
Cell tower companies typically make money by renting property from a landowner, erecting a tower and then leasing space on the tower to mobile network providers. The less the tower company pays to lease the land and the more it gets from the providers, the bigger its profits.
It’s unclear if Premier Vertical Properties operates just this one tower. The company is not listed in a federal tower database that mostly includes towers over 200 feet or in potential aircraft pathways.
Mr. Paxton did not disclose the site of this or any other tower on his state or federal financial forms. The Times located the Frisco tower in county deed records.
Mr. Paxton first disclosed his interest in Premier Vertical Properties on his state ethics form filed in 2006. That year, he reported that the company had assets of less than $5,000. This year, his state ethics form showed that the company had assets of “at least $55,610 or more,” but did not mention not the company’s profits.
Last year, Mr. Paxton filed detailed federal candidacy paperwork as part of his Senate run. In these documents, he reported income between $100,001 and $1 million from a cell tower affiliated with Premier Vertical Properties. The cell tower’s value was listed as between $250,001 and $500,000.
Mr. Paxton makes $153,750 as the attorney general of Texas.
Margaret Dylus-Yukins, senior legal council in ethics with the Campaign Legal Center, a watchdog group, said it is difficult to ascertain Mr. Paxton’s total wealth from his federal disclosure because the value of some of his investments is shielded in a trust. But she said the cell tower appears to be an important asset.
“It does look like Mr. Paxton’s investment in the Premier Vertical Properties is one of his top sources of income,” she said.
Industry experts said the value of the cell tower is likely even higher.If income was at the low end of the range, around $100,000, the value of the tower should be closer to $2 million, said Ken Schmidt, a cell tower expert.
“The asset valuation seems odd to me,” he said. “There’s a disconnect.”
Mr. Paxton’s assets and investments have come under repeated scrutiny during his decade as the state’s top lawyer. He has been the subject of a bribery investigation over a $100,000 gift he took from a man with business before his agency, and a grand jury investigated his role in a land deal in McKinney. In 2015, months after he assumed statewide office, he was charged with felony securities fraud when he was accused of failing to disclose that he was making commission for recommending a friend’s business.
In 2023, Mr. Paxton was impeached on corruption charges in which he was accused of accepting a bribe from a campaign donor, among other allegations of malfeasance. He was acquitted of the impeachment charges after a trial in the Texas Senate, and has long denied any wrongdoing while in office.
Mr. Paxton’s assets, including a growing real estate portfolio, were investigated during the impeachment proceedings. Last month, The Times reported that he had added three additional condos to that portfolio.

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson today gave updates on key election programs ahead of the November election.

Texas Secretary of State
Jane NelsonFor Immediate Distribution
July 16, 2026    Contact: Alicia Pierce
apierce@sos.texas.gov

Election Security Update from Texas Secretary of State Nelson AUSTIN — As she concludes her final week in office, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson today gave updates on key election programs ahead of the November election. “Election integrity is a cornerstone of my work as Secretary of State. These updates are a reflection of just some of the work our office has done to further security in the last three years, and they will continue to help protect Texas elections for years to come,” said Secretary Nelson.

Election Security Assessments: The Office of the Texas Secretary of State has kicked off the program to review security protocols for each of Texas’ 254 counties. This includes reviews of physical security such as storage facilities, polling locations, and central counting stations, in addition to information technology security.   “The best way to ensure election security is not for counties to act alone,” said Secretary Nelson. “Instead, the state and counties are partnering together to review critical systems, utilize best practices and benefit from high-level expertise.”  This initiative is funded by an $8 million appropriation from the Legislature. This is the first time a similar assessment has been performed since 2019.

Commercial Mailboxes: Under Texas law, voter registrations must be associated with a voter’s physical residence. While P.O. and similar boxes may be used for mailing addresses, the address tied to the registration itself must reflect the residence.  As part of the agency’s voter list maintenance efforts, the Secretary of State’s Elections Division reviewed the statewide voter registration database for the use of commercial mailboxes listed in place of residence. The office found that 8537registrations are tied to 1069 addresses which are likely commercial addresses.   These registrations have been identified and will be sent to counties to review and investigate. “Maintaining voter rolls requires continual review,” said Secretary Nelson. “We are working with counties to make sure they can take action on registrations tied to commercial mailboxes in order to prevent fraud and voter confusion ahead of the November Election.”

Military & Overseas Ballots: Thanks to an appropriation of almost $1 million from the Legislature, the Office of the Secretary of State is moving forward with a secure military ballot option to make it easier for our deployed service personnel to participate in our elections.  “Our military members protect our freedoms; we should do what we can to protect theirs,” said Secretary Nelson. “This November, we will be able to offer additional ways for military and overseas voters to securely receive their ballots and exercise just one of the rights they fight to protect.”  Each election security initiative conducted by the Office of the Texas Secretary of State is to ensure Texan votes are secure.    To learn more about Texas’ voting processes and to prepare for the polls, Texans can visit VoteTexas.gov, the state’s official voting resource.

For Immediate Release

July 14, 2026

Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, jpinzon@txdemocrats.org

One Week After ICE Killed Lorenzo Salgado in Houston, Greg Abbott Still Has Nothing to Say

DALLAS, TX – One week has passed since Lorenzo Salgado was killed during an ICE operation in Houston. In those seven days, Governor Greg Abbott has not issued a single public statement, has not demanded answers, and has not called for transparency for Salgado’s family or for the people of Texas.

Salgado’s death was followed just days later by another fatal encounter involving ICE in Maine, adding to a series of recent incidents across the country that have raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the use of force by federal immigration agents.

When an incident fits his political agenda, Greg Abbott is quick to step in front of the cameras. But when a Texan dies during a federal immigration enforcement operation surrounded by unanswered questions, the governor has nothing to say.

Has Governor Abbott demanded answers from ICE? Has he called for an independent investigation? Has he spoken with Lorenzo Salgado’s family?

While Governor Abbott remains silent, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has taken action. Last week, Hinojosa filed a public information request seeking records related to the State of Texas’ and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s response to Lorenzo Salgado’s death, calling for transparency about the role state officials may have played and whether DPS personnel were involved before, during, or after the shooting.

Silence is a choice. When protecting Texans doesn’t fit his political agenda, Greg Abbott chooses to look the other way.

For Immediate Release

July 02, 2026

Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Statement on Hancock’s Resignation, Huffines’ Appointment as Comptroller

Abbott’s sneaky move to boost Huffines’ troubled campaign is yet another sign the Governor is terrified for November.

DALLAS, TX — If Governor Abbott believed Don Huffines could win in November, he would not have forced Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock to resign so Huffines could become the incumbent. There is only one candidate in the race for Comptroller who will take on corruption, be a fierce watchdog for taxpayer dollars, and vigorously audit Texas Republican’s voucher scam. That candidate is Sarah Eckhardt, and come November, she will defeat Don Huffines and send him back to Jeffrey Epstein’s New Mexico ranch Huffines was so excited to buy.

For Immediate Release

June 27, 2026

Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Texas Democrats Re-Elect Kendall Scudder as State Party Chair

CORPUS CHRISTI – Delegates to the Texas Democratic Party’s State Convention today re-elected Kendall Scudder as Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, affirming the party’s commitment to the organizing strategy and statewide infrastructure built under his leadership.

Since taking office just over a year ago, Scudder has led a significant transformation of the Texas Democratic Party. The party has eliminated its inherited debt, launched its first fully coordinated statewide campaign since 1982, and expanded Democratic organizing efforts into every corner of the state. For the first time in recent history, Democrats have candidates competing in federal races across all 254 Texas counties, reflecting a renewed commitment to contesting every community and investing in grassroots organizing.

Under Scudder’s leadership, the Texas Democratic Party has prioritized strengthening relationships with county parties, local leaders, volunteers, and activists by treating them as true partners in building a year round organization. That collaborative approach has helped position Texas as a national model for Democratic organizing, drawing attention from party leaders across the country as Democrats prepare for one of the most consequential election cycles in state history.

“Just over a year ago, our party faced challenges that would have led most people to close their doors. On top of that, the TDP had left 27 legislative races uncontested, and were losing staff because there was no money to pay them,” said Terri Burke, Executive Director of the TDP. “Today, the Texas Democratic Party is debt free, competing statewide, and united behind a coordinated campaign unlike anything we’ve seen in more than four decades. Democrats are building the infrastructure to compete everywhere, and today’s vote reflects delegates’ confidence in that vision.”

With the 2026 general election approaching, the Texas Democratic Party will continue investing in voter outreach, candidate support, and coordinated organizing to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

For Immediate Release

June 24, 2026

Contact: Ryan Martin, Rmartin@txdemocrats.org

While Texas Women Die, Ken Paxton Celebrates The Overturning Of Roe v. Wade As A Holiday

AUSTIN, TX — Today, as Texas marks four years since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and paved the way for Texas’ extreme abortion ban, Ken Paxton is celebrating what he says should be an “annual holiday.” Meanwhile, Texas women continue to die, are forced to fleethe state, and are refused medical care due to hospitals’ fear of criminal punishment from Paxton under Texas’ abortion ban.

Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Ryan Martin:

“Women in Texas have been denied basic healthcare, forced to flee the state, or bleed out in hospital parking lots, because Ken Paxton threatened to sue them and their doctors. And today on the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Paxton celebrates their suffering. Texans support the right to choose and Texas women will hold Paxton accountable for his attacks on their freedom in November.”

Ken Paxton has been the most vocal defender and enforcer of Texas’ draconian abortion ban, with no exception for rape or incest and sweeping criminal consequences for women and their doctors.

See his grotesque record for yourself:

Paxton filed an amicus brief calling on the Supreme Court to overturn Roe.
Paxton has attacked women in Texas, including Kate Cox, going after them “in a very personal way” to stop them from getting the medical care they need and forcing them to flee the state.
Paxton has threatened doctors who seek to provide an emergency abortion with imprisonment. This week it was reported a woman was refused medical care for an infection due to hospitals’ fear of criminal punishment from Texas’ abortion ban.
Paxton even bragged about Texas women being forced to leave the state for lifesaving health care under Texas’ extreme abortion ban as “stimulating” interstate commerce.
Texas’ abortion ban, which Paxton enforced, discouraged Texas women from seeking IVF treatment to start their families because the extreme restrictions created a “murky area” that put “many families with infertility issues in limbo.”
Under Paxton’s enforcement of Texas’ abortion ban, women have had their ability to have children in the future endangered and lost by being denied basic care for their health.
Paxton has gone after doctors and healthcare providers who prescribed Mifepristone in other states threatening them with jail time.
Paxton himself voted for an addition to Texas’s penal code affording legal rights to fetuses in criminal cases that is still in effect today, a law that “identif[ies] an ‘unborn child at every state of gestation from fertilization until birth’” and could be interpreted to ban IVF.
Paxton voted for Texas’ controversial HB2, which banned abortions after 20 weeks and was the subject of Wendy Davis’ historic filibuster.

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2026
Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Texas Democrats to Convene Largest Democratic Gathering in the Nation in Corpus Christi

National leaders including U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, Gov. JB Pritzker, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and TDP Chair Kendall Scudder to headline 2026 State Convention

DALLAS/FORT WORTH – The Texas Democratic Party announced new details for its 2026 State Convention, taking place June 25–27 in Corpus Christi, where more than 5,000 Democrats from across the state will gather for the largest Democratic convention in the country.

Lined up to speak is a slate of nationally recognized leaders and keynote speakers, beginning with U.S. Senator Cory Booker, followed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at Friday’s Blue Wave Luncheon, and remarks from Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin during Friday’s General Session. Programming will continue Saturday with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who will keynote the Lady Bird Breakfast, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Texas Democratic candidates, including U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico and Gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, along with Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, will headline key programming focused on winning up and down the ballot. The convention will kick off Thursday evening with a free concert by Tejano recording star and U.S. Congressional Candidate Bobby Pulido.

The multi-day event will bring together grassroots activists, elected officials, and candidates to organize, energize, and prepare for victory in November as campaigns and priorities for 2026 take shape. Over the course of 2 ½ days, attendees will be able to participate in grassroots trainings, caucus meetings, influencer and podcast engagement, and community-building events designed to connect Democrats from every region of the state.

Members of the media are encouraged to apply for credentials and view additional details, including the full schedule, at the official convention website texasdemocraticconvention.com

For Immediate Release
May 12, 2026
Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Texas Democratic Party Announces Sen. Bernie Sanders as a Keynote Speaker for 2026 State Convention

DALLAS/FORT WORTH – Excitement is building across Texas as Sen. Bernie Sanders is set to take the stage as one of the keynote speakers at the 2026 Texas Democratic Party State Convention. From Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27, more than 5,000 Democrats from across Texas will gather in Corpus Christi for three days of community building, camaraderie, and party business, alongside delegates, activists, elected officials, and community leaders working together to shape the future of the party and the state.
Senator Sanders’ participation underscores what Democrats across the country are recognizing: Texas is in play. The energy on the ground is undeniable, with record engagement and growing enthusiasm among voters ready for change. As one of the convention’s keynote speakers, Sanders will help energize attendees and amplify the urgency of organizing, mobilizing, and building a coalition strong enough to win across Texas..
That momentum was on full display in the March 2026 primary elections, where nearly 200,000 more Texans voted in the Democratic Senate primary than in the Republican Senate primary — 2,311,826 to 2,165,744 — despite competitive races on both sides. As Democrats continue to build a stronger, more inclusive coalition, the Texas Democratic Party invites Texans from across the state to be part of this historic moment in Corpus Christi and join a movement that is reshaping the future of Texas..

For Immediate Release

April 30, 2026

Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Governor JB Pritzker to Keynote Opening Luncheon for Democrat’s Largest Convention in the Country

National Democratic leader to join Texas Democrats at the Blue Wave Luncheon as the party mobilizes to flip key seats in 2026.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH – The Texas Democratic Party announced that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will serve as the keynote speaker at the opening Blue Wave Luncheon on June 26, the first day of its 2026 State Convention in Corpus Christi. The convention (expected to be the largest Democratic gathering in the country), will bring together more than 6,000 Democrats from every corner of Texas to organize, energize, and prepare for victory in November.

Texas Democrats have special respect and appreciation for Gov.Pritzker who hosted and stood beside Democratic legislators who left for Illinois during the August 2025 quorum break designed to stall a rigged mid-decade redistricting. His continued partnership underscores a shared commitment to protecting democracy and building a stronger future for working families in Texas and across the country.

The Blue Wave Luncheon is a cornerstone event of the convention, designed to galvanize grassroots supporters, raise critical funds, and build momentum heading into the 2026 election cycle. Delegates, local leaders, and candidates will come together to strategize, connect, and drive efforts to flip key seats across Texas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2026
Contact: Juan Carlos Pinzon, press@txdemocrats.org

Texas Democratic Party, Texas Majority PAC, House Democratic Campaign Committee, and Powered by People Announce 2026 Statewide Coordinated Campaign

View Launch Event Recording HERE
Dallas Ft Worth, Texas – Today, the Texas Democratic Party announced “Texas Together,” the 2026 statewide coordinated campaign, in partnership with Texas Majority PAC, the House Democratic Campaign Committee, and Beto O’Rourke’s Powered by People. Together, they’re committing a combined $30 million, making this the most well-funded coordinated campaign in Texas Democrats history. Texas Together will launch on March 4th–the earliest launch ever–with volunteers talking to voters about the full ticket, from the U.S. Senate to the county nominees.These organizations have been working together since 2025. Through their partnership, they successfully recruited candidates in every statewide, state house, state senate, congressional, and State Board of Education race for the first time in Texas history. Their volunteers made more than 5 million calls and knocked on over 150,000 doors, including 1.5 million calls and 20,000 doors to win the SD 9 special election. Now, as Texas Together, they will run voter registration, persuasion, and turnout programs for all Democratic nominees in Texas.

The coordinated campaign will:
– Operate field offices in Harris, Dallas, Maverick, Travis, Williamson, Potter/Randall, Tarrant, Bexar, Hidalgo, Cameron, Brazoria, and El Paso Counties. The coordinated campaign headquarters is in Houston

– Provide free voter file access to candidates in the state–the first time in Texas history.

– Invest $25 million in a statewide organizing program that will contact voters at the doors and over the phone in all 254 counties.

– Negotiate cost-sharing agreements with vendors to bring overhead costs down for campaigns across the state.

– Build a small-dollar fundraising program for down ballot candidates in red seats.Invest $5 million in a newly-created statewide research hub, 254 Labs. The hub will conduct polling, message-testing, and data analysis to help all candidates craft effective turnout and persuasion media programs.

– Test new persuasion and turnout tactics, technology, and campaign structures to produce the most innovative political infrastructure in the country.

“This coordinated campaign represents a turning point for how Democrats compete in Texas,” said Kendall Scudder, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party.

“We’re investing and organizing earlier than we ever have before, and we’re revolutionizing the way that state parties build winning infrastructure. This partnership will empower us to compete everywhere.”“We’re not making assumptions about who our voters are. Texas Together will talk to everyone this year.” said Katherine Fischer, Executive Director of Texas Majority PAC.

“Our win in SD 9 proves that Texans are so fed up with Republican leadership, that traditionally red seats are in play. We’re excited to partner with TDP, HDCC, and PxP to run a massive field and research program on behalf of all Texas Democrats running for office.”“Texas Together gives us the resources to compete everywhere. Last year, when Texas House Democrats stood up to Donald Trump and Greg Abbott’s redistricting scheme, thousands of Texans joined our fight. Now in 2026 we’re building on that momentum and creating the movement to flip the Texas House,” said Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Christina Morales.

“Alongside our partners, we’ve recruited great candidates, and now we’re giving them the tools to win.”“We’re excited to contribute Powered by People’s relational registration program to this historic coordinated campaign,” said Beto O’Rourke, Powered by People founder and former statewide candidate.

“Our focus is bringing the margin of victory to the ballot box by building personal relationships with the newly registered and others targeted for suppression and intimidation. This person-to-person connection is key to successfully encouraging them to vote.”

About the Texas Democratic Party

Founded in 1846, Texas Democrats continue the march toward re-building a state that acts upon its beliefs – fair wages, affordable housing, universal childcare, a right to accessible and affordable healthcare, and safe communities. A fair shot for all – that’s what drove our Texas forefathers to build this great state, and that is what drives us today. A belief that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, or who you love – if you work hard in Texas, you can make it. Texas Democrats have never shied away from big, bold ideas. From Lyndon B. Johnson to Henry B. Gonzalez to Barbara Jordan to Ann Richards and today’s Democratic champions, Texas Democrats will fight to uphold the landmark programs, policies, and institutions that make Texas work for all Texans. For more information go to: https://www.texasdemocrats.org