State of Texas Archives: on Crime
Beto O`Rourke:
1995 burglary arrest: charges dropped by U. Texas
According to a heavily redacted narrative of O'Rourke's May 1995 burglary arrest by the University of Texas at El Paso Police Department, O'Rourke and two associates allegedly broke into the yard of the facilities management building at the school,
triggering an alarm. One of the officers who responded to the scene said he saw "three subjects in the middle of the compound running in three different directions."
"I immediately yelled at them to freeze and also gave foot pursuit," the report says. "I observed two subjects run toward the main doors of the control center and lost sight of them when another subject was seen running behind parked vehicles
westbound toward the green-house." The charges against all three were later dropped.
The El Paso district attorney then and now, Jaime Esparza, says he has no recollection of the burglary case and his office could not locate any files on it.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Apr 24, 2019
Brian Babin:
Broaden death penalty; more truth-in-sentencing
Babin indicated the following positions to address crime.- Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
- Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
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Limit the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
- Prosecute youths accused of murder as adults.
- Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.
Source: Texas Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Abolish mandatory minimums & private for-profit prisons
Cristina recognizes that our current criminal legal system unfairly targets the low-income, and black and brown communities, not only because of misguided policies like the Drug War, but also because of corporations that profit off of imprisonment.
She would also advocate for abolishing private prisons and mandatory minimums, ensuring that our government invests in schools rather than prisons. Lastly, she would support federal abolition of the death penalty.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Deirdre Gilbert:
WE THE PEOPLE have been stripped of constitutional rights
Texas has been for many years engaged in deceptive and discriminatory practices that have stripped many people of their constitutional rights.We have had a one-sided plan that benefits those in power but forgets about WE THE PEOPLE. We've seen back
door legislation that interfere with our health care by making laws that make it harder for injured people to use class action rules that can expose widespread harms of dangerous products, makes it easier for corporations to get a judge to dismiss an
injured American's case before it gets to trial, bar cases by saying the injured assumed the risk, alter rules, deter lawsuits by punishing injured Americans by requiring them to pay corporate attorneys' fees if jury award a significantly lower
settlement, bar injured Americans from getting any damages from corporations whose products injure them, allow doctors who have histories of alcohol and drug abuse, rape, sexual assault, and murder to practice medicine, with no legal recourse.
Source: 2022 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website gilbert4gov.com
Sep 22, 2022
Emily Sanchez:
Opposes stricter punishment to reduce crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Oppose.
Source: E-mail interview on Texas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 19, 2014
George W. Bush:
Send juvenile criminals to "boot camp"
You are responsible for your behavior -- you, not your circumstances, not society. [Now, convicted juveniles'] heads are shaved. They wear bright orange uniforms. They march in boot camp style, and they're taught that they are responsible for the choices
they make in life. [During a visit, the boys said], I committed the offense of armed robbery, Sir. I'm serving a one year minimum sentence as a consequence for my behavior, Sir. In short, they are learning. the value of discipline and respect.
Source: Powell Lecture Series, Texas A&M University
Apr 6, 1998
Greg Abbott:
2003 Fugitive unit resulted in 4,400 more arrests
Our most precious Texans are also among the most vulnerable. Greg Abbott has made protecting children and removing dangerous predators from our communities a top priority as Texas' Attorney General.He launched the Cyber Crimes and Fugitive units in
2003, directly resulting in the arrest of more than 4,454 fugitives, sex offenders, parole violators, and other felons.
In addition to fostering safety for our children in our communities and online, one of the most important responsibilities of the
Attorney General is the collection of child support.
Child support directly benefits the children and saves Texas taxpayers money by avoiding additional state welfare costs. Under Greg Abbott's watch, the Attorney General's office has collected over
$31 billion in child support for Texas children. In 2014, his office was recognized as the nation's best child support program by the National Child Support Enforcement Association.
Source: 2014 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website, GregAbbott.com
Nov 4, 2014
Greg Abbott:
Make it a hate crime to target uniformed police officers
Unbelievably, last year ambush-style killings of police increased more than 150 percent. These murders had one thing in common: The victims were killed because of the uniform they wear.Texas will not tolerate attacks on law enforcement officers.
We will rise up as a state in support our law enforcement. I want legislation that increases penalties and makes it a hate crime for criminals who target peace officers simply because of their uniform.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Texas Legislature
Jan 31, 2017
Greg Abbott:
Raise bail when past criminals are re-arrested
Gov. Greg Abbott wants the Texas Legislature to pass a bail reform law next year. The Republican governor announced his proposed Damon Allen Act, named in honor of a 41-year-old highway patrol trooper who was gunned down last during a traffic stop.
The suspect, 33-year-old Dabrett Black, was out of jail on a $15,500 bond at the time after allegedly assaulting a Smith County deputy. Abbott said, "Texas must ensure that something like this never happens again."Abbott said bond amounts would be
set to better match the threat of accused criminals. His changes would include:- Having judges and magistrates who set bail be informed of the defendant's full criminal history and take that into account when setting bond amounts.
- Adding the safety
of law enforcement to the list of threats judges must consider when setting bail.
- Implementing a statewide case management system, so judges and magistrates would have all the relevant information at bail settings.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2018 Texas gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2018
Greg Abbott:
Crack down on human trafficking
We must also work together to crack down on human trafficking and to protect the victims of this heinous crime. I ask the legislature to increase funding to create six regional human trafficking squads. These squads will investigate and shut down human
trafficking operations across Texas. And absolutely every trafficker should get mandatory jail time. These predators should be locked up, not freely roaming our streets looking for victims.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Texas legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Greg Abbott:
Emergency laws to prevent cities from defunding the police
We will support our law enforcement officers, not demonize and defund them. Defunding law enforcement invites crime and chaos into communities. It risks the lives and livelihoods of innocent people. To keep Texans safe, and to
discourage cities from going down this dangerous path, we must pass laws that prevent cities from defunding police. This issue is so urgent, I am making it an emergency item this session.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Joaquin Castro:
More community centers; more job assistance for inmates
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding crime.- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
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Require that crimes based on race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation be prosecuted as hate crimes.
- Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
John Cornyn:
Co-wrote bill for data-driven cooperation to fight crime
The House passed a bill introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX), the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018, which would authorize a nationwide law enforcement program focused on the reduction of
violent crime. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. ["Partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement, something I implemented as Texas Attorney General, are an effective way to reduce crime rates and protect our communities," said
Senator Cornyn. "The Project Safe Neighborhoods program helps law enforcement at all levels across the country to investigate and prosecute the most dangerous and repeat offenders."]
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website peters.senate.gov
Jun 7, 2018
Jon Roland:
Supports death penalty for federal crimes
Roland supports the following principles regarding Crime Issues: - Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
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Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
Source: Texas Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
May 2, 2008
Jon Roland:
Repeal most federal criminal statutes as unconstitutional
Roland supports the following principles regarding Crime Issues: - Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
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Roland adds, "Most Federal criminal statutes are unconstitutional--would repeal them."
Source: Texas Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
May 2, 2008
Lupe Valdez:
Too many people are kept in jail simply because they're poor
Gov. Greg Abbott announced his proposed Damon Allen Act, named in honor of a 41-year-old highway patrol trooper who was gunned down last during a traffic stop. The suspect, 33-year-old Dabrett Black, was out of jail on a $15,500 bond at the time.
But not everyone is on board.Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, the Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement that a discussion on bail reform must address that too many people are kept in jail simply because they're poor.
She also knocked Abbott for excluding gun control from the conversation. "If we are going to talk about keeping our communities safe from harm, we must put in place gun safety measures including universal
background checks and red flag laws, which could have kept Dabrett Black from having access to the gun that killed Officer Allen," Valdez said.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2018 Texas gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2018
Lupe Valdez:
End the era of mass incarceration, plus major reforms
We must end the era of mass incarceration, reform the cash bail system, decriminalize misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and ban for-profit prisons. These are major contributing factors to systemic oppression, racism, and classism. We must also
work together with municipalities to strengthen the bonds of trust between police and communities and train our police forces to the highest standard, because better trained and accountable police forces means safer neighborhoods and safer cops.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
MJ Hegar:
Police brutality is not just "a few poisoned apples"
Asked about police racism, Hegar said that the "obvious answer is criminal justice reform," and she supports policies such as "police being more representative of the communities that they're policing." Hegar said that in respect to police brutality,
there are not "a few poisoned apples," but "a plague of locusts that have come through the orchard." She said that she does not support the riots or looting, but thinks the "militarization" of law enforcement "sends the wrong message."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
MJ Hegar:
We have a mass incarceration problem
On crime: "I think that we have a mass incarceration problem, not just in marijuana but in the world," she said. "I mean, we are one of the top incarcerated countries in the world and that's not something that I'm very proud of, I don't know about you."
She went on to criticize private prisons and said incumbent Cornyn has taken money from that industry and legislated "in their benefit." The senator "makes sure that they're at max capacity, which is max profit," she said.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
Paul Sadler:
End parole for repeat violent felons
Sadler supports the following principles concerning crime. - End parole for repeat violent felons.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Strengthen penalties and sentences for sex offenders.
- Prosecute t
juveniles who commit murder or other serious violent crimes as adults.
- Provide funding for military-style "boot camps" for first-time juvenile felons.
- Support laws requiring restitution to crime victims at the personal expense of the criminal.
Source: Texas State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Pete Gallego:
No death penalty for the mentally retarded
Legislature's Analysis, "Background and Purpose": In 1989, the United States Supreme Court decided that executing people who have mental retardation does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. The decision did, however, provide for
jury instructions to incorporate evidence of mental retardation as a possible mitigating factor in the imposition of the death penalty. There is some concern among Texans that the execution of these persons is unjust because persons with mental
retardation may be less culpable for their crimes or may not have the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions. House Bill 236 enables defense counsel to request a hearing to determine whether a defendant had mental retardation at the
time of the commission of the offense and prohibits a court from sentencing a person with mental retardation to death. Legislative outcome: Bill vetoed by Governor Rick Perry, June 17, 2001
Source: Texas legislative voting records: HB 236
Feb 6, 2001
Randy Weber:
Supports the death penalty
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
A: Yes.
Source: Texas Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Randy Weber:
Alternative sentencing ok; trying minors sometimes ok
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?A: Yes.
Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
A: Too general, has to be decided on each case.
Q: Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
A: Has to be decided case by case.
Source: Texas Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Rick Perry:
Vetoes ban on execution of mentally retarded inmates
Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill to ban the execution of mentally retarded death row inmates, saying the state already has numerous safeguards in place to protect them. "This legislation is not about whether to execute mentally retarded murderers,"
Perry said. "It is about who determines whether a defendant is mentally retarded in the Texas justice system." The bill would have allowed a jury to determine during the trial's punishment phase whether a defendant is mentally retarded.
If so, the person would be sentenced only to life in prison.
Existing law takes into account whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, including whether the defendant can aid his own defense and whether a defendant was insane when the
crime was committed. Prosecutors say those factors, and the fact that a jury can consider retardation as a mitigating circumstance during sentencing, are sufficient.
Source: CBS News.com coverage of Texas Voting Records for HB 236
Jun 17, 2002
Rick Perry:
Supports DNA testing; standards for capital defenders
Governor Rick Perry?s proposals about capital punishment: - Proposed DNA testing for cases where it can shed light on a person?s guilt or innocence. Pledged financial assistance to local police and medical examiners in this regard.
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Improve the quality of defense counsel for trials. Statewide standards for selecting defense lawyers, including a minimum level of experience in handling criminal felony trials.
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Give juries the option of sentencing capital defendants to prison for the rest of their lives, without parole, rather than executing them.
Governor Perry?s proposals recognize that Texas desperately needs to introduce rationality and fairness to a system that is out of control, and which has a high risk of executing innocent people.
Source: TexasCivilRightsProject.org, Op-Ed
Jan 25, 2001
Rick Perry:
Life without parole for certain repeat sex offenders
The pursuit of true stability and security also requires us to maintain law and order and keep our citizens safe. Last fall, I proposed legislation targeting sex offenders, to better protect our citizens.
We should empower prosecutors to seek life without parole for certain repeat sex offenders, and requiring active GPS monitoring of high risk offenders for three years after they've done their time and been released by TDCJ.
Source: 2011 Texas State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2011
Rick Perry:
Amachi program: break up generational cycle of incarceration
Perhaps no student population is at greater risk than the children of prisoners. 70% are destined to follow a parent's path behind bars if no one intervenes. This is a national tragedy. We must break up the generational cycle of incarceration. That is wh
Texas was the first state to offer a statewide grant for the Amachi program administered by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, which mentors the children of prisoners. For the sake of these children, I ask you to continue funding this important program.
Source: Texas 2007 State of the State address
Feb 6, 2007
Rick Perry:
Tough and smart: jail sexual offenders; release non-violent
When it comes to criminal justice, I believe we can take an approach to crime that is both tough and smart. I agree with our Lieutenant Governor that sexual offenders who harm our children must face tougher penalties.
At the same time, there are thousands of non-violent offenders in the system whose future we cannot ignore. Let's focus more resources on rehabilitating those offenders so we can ultimately spend less money locking them up again.
Source: Texas 2007 State of the State address
Feb 6, 2007
Royce West:
Now for reform, in 1995 for 14- year-olds tried as adults
West has positioned himself as a top advocate for reforming a criminal justice system that disadvantages people of color. He's been a leader on increasing the use of body cameras by police officers and combating racial profiling. But in 1995,
West co-sponsored a juvenile justice package that aimed to toughen penalties for youthful offenders. The bill, which he called "tough love" at the time, lowered the age from 15 to 14 at which serious offenders could be prosecuted as adults.
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jul 28, 2019
Royce West:
Total reform needed at all levels of the judiciary
From the halls of our local police departments, to the court rooms, and overcrowded prisons, total reform is needed at all levels of the judiciary. We must pass federal legislation to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences,
end private for-profit prisons, promote rehabilitation centers, and put support systems in place for former inmates who are shut out of opportunities.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Reexamine the use of deadly force by police
We must hold our police departments accountable for misconduct and excessive force; and bring in independent investigators to reexamine the use of deadly force and foster an environment that prioritizes de-escalation tactics. I have a long record of
fighting for criminal justice reform and putting measures in place to hold law enforcement accountable. In the Texas State Senate, I authored groundbreaking legislation for body cameras and dashboard cameras in police vehicles.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Sema Hernandez:
End the militarization of law enforcement
We must end militarization of law enforcement and the programs which equip and promote it. I will introduce criminal justice reform legislation to fund and require de-escalation training. The bill will require an end to cash bail as a denial of due
process, outlaw privatized prisons, and end the privatization of law enforcement services. It also will provide for funding and maintaining meaningful education, rehabilitation, and job training in prisons.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Steve Stockman:
Admits being jailed in 1970s, but suing group for saying so
Stockman accused a group that supports Cornyn of lying about him, by asserting that he had been "jailed more than once" and was "charged with a felony." That is strange, because Stockman has admitted to these facts, several times."I may have been in
jail a couple of times, two or three times," he told this newspaper. As for the felony charge, that stemmed from the time his girlfriend hid three Valium tablets in his underpants when he was reporting for a weekend in jail. "When they found that they
charged me with a felony," he told the Houston Chronicle. Those interviews were back in 1995, during Stockman's first 2-year stint in Congress.
Stockman announced that he has filed a libel lawsuit in Houston against Texans for a Conservative Majority,
a political action committee funded and run by Cornyn supporters. Its website, ShadyStockman.com, includes the line: "He has been jailed more than once, and was charge with a felony after one such incident when authorities found Valium in his pants."
Source: Dallas News AdWatch on 2014 Texas Senate race
Jan 31, 2014
Vicente Gonzalez:
Increase investments & resources for local law enforcement
Keeping America Safe: America is the land of the free and home of the brave. I support a strong Military and local first responders that keep our country and families safe. -
Increase investments and resources for local law enforcement and first responders.
- Combat criminal elements crossing the border with smart and thoughtful border security.
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Maintain a strong military to remain the leading force for global defense and protection.
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Increase investment in national security and counterterrorism efforts, while safe-guarding our civil rights and liberties.
Source: 2016 Texas House campaign website VicenteGonzalez.com
Nov 8, 2016
Greg Abbott:
Activist judges use low bail to let out dangerous criminals
One of the most dangerous places is one you would least expect: a courtroom where activist judges are using low bail to let dangerous criminals back on the streets. We must shut and lock that revolving door by passing laws
that keep dangerous criminals behind bars and hold accountable the judges who let them out. To get that done, I am making ending revolving door bail an emergency item this session.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Greg Casar:
Supported cuts to police, opposed homeless encampment bans
Casar will be among the most progressive members of Congress ever to serve from Texas. During his tenure on the City Council, he was best known for supporting cuts to the police department and his fight against
the encampment bans that had translated into homeless citizens living in tents in public parks and under Interstate 35 bridges.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2022 Congressional TX-35 election
Mar 1, 2022
Roland Gutierrez:
Filed bill to end qualified immunity for police officers
Gutierrez filed Senate Bill 575 to end qualified immunity for police officers, a judicial doctrine that shields government officials from liability for constitutional violations. He said ending qualified immunity will make it easier for the families of
the Uvalde shooting victims to seek damages after the flawed law enforcement response to the Uvalde school shooting, in which hundreds of officers descended on the school but did not confront the gunman for over an hour.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2024 Texas Senate race
May 25, 2023
Carl Sherman:
State should help boost police salaries in smaller cities
Texas lawmakers are considering a plan to boost police pay in smaller Texas communities. The state would kick in money to help raise salaries. Rep. Carl Sherman has authored a house bill, that allows cities with a population of under
5,000 to apply for state dollars to get police officers a minimum salary of $55,000. "For them to protect our rights and to put their lives on the line, there should be a minimum pay," said Sherman.
Source: NBC-DFW News-5 on 2024 Texas Senate race
Feb 23, 2023
Colin Allred:
Supports common-sense police reforms like de-escalation
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Colin Allred (D): Supports "common-sense reforms that will restore trust in our law enforcement and ensure justice."
Voted for holding police accountable, addressing racial profiling, and limiting use of force. Sponsored a bill to encourage police use of "de-escalation tools."
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Ted Cruz (R): Police are "under attack." Sponsored bills strengthening protections for police and having recruits work in their own communities.
Said January 6 U.S. Capitol stormers were prosecuted more than Black Lives Matter protesters he called "terrorists."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Ted Cruz:
Police are under attack BLM are terrorists
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Colin Allred (D): Supports "common-sense reforms that will restore trust in our law enforcement and ensure justice."
Voted for holding police accountable, addressing racial profiling, and limiting use of force. Sponsored a bill to encourage police use of "de-escalation tools."
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Ted Cruz (R): Police are "under attack." Sponsored bills strengthening protections for police and having recruits work in their own communities.
Said January 6 U.S. Capitol stormers were prosecuted more than Black Lives Matter protesters he called "terrorists."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Carl Sherman:
Require live police bodycams; require prison AC
In 2021, after 26-year-old Botham Jean's murder by off-duty police officer Amber Guyger, Sherman shepherded a bill through the Capitol that made it illegal for peace officers to disarm body cameras during the course of an investigation.
This year, amid a record-breaking heat wave, Sherman has been perhaps one of the loudest voices in the Legislature fighting for air-conditioning in Texas's prisons
(Texas is one of at least thirteen states without universal air-conditioning in state prisons). As Governor Greg Abbott pushes for yet another special session--presumably slated for the fall--on his proposal to use taxpayer money to fund school vouchers,
Sherman has asked for air-conditioning in prisons to be made a priority issue, too. (That likely won't happen.)
Source: Texas Monthly on 2024 Texas Senate race
Sep 9, 2023
Greg Abbott:
Deny bail to violent criminals & illegal immigrants
To make our communities safer, we must eliminate parole for criminals convicted of child trafficking. We must deny bail to criminals charged with capital murder and other heinous violent crimes. Illegal immigrants who are arrested should be considered
a flight risk, denied bail, and turned over to ICE. Lawmakers must choose--support the safety of the citizens they represent, or the criminals who kill them. This legislation will save lives. That is why I am making bail reform an emergency item.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 2, 2025
Jasmine Crockett:
Look for crimes in the Epstein files, not smearing Trump
Q: The House Oversight Committee, which you're a member of, said that your committee is expanding its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Republicans say that Democrats are just trying to use these files to smear the president?CROCKETT: Listen,
I don't really care who is in the files. And if you are truly about law and order, then we should be looking for who it is that has broken the law and in what ways. We need to better understand who potentially in government allowed for a lot of these
things to take place, whether we're talking about the fake immigration paperwork that we have heard from a lot of the survivors, whether we're talking about the sham modeling agencies that were nothing but a front for trafficking. We need to know
whether or not they still exist in some other iteration. This is about not only making sure that the survivors get justice, but making sure that there aren't others that are going through a similar system right now.
Source: CNN SOTU interview on 2026 Texas Senate race
Nov 23, 2025
Ken Paxton:
Wants power to prosecute election crimes; claims DAs won't
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in Texas v. Zena Stephens that Paxton does not have unilateral authority to prosecute election crimes. Instead, the Texas Constitution grants that authority to local prosecutors. Soon after the ruling,
Paxton publicly called for the Legislature to "right this wrong." In a tweet, Paxton wrote, "The CCA's shameful decision means local DAs with radical liberal views have the sole power to prosecute election fraud in TX--which they will never do."
Source: Texas Tribune, "More Power," on 2026 Texas Senate race
Jan 12, 2023
Wesley Hunt:
Against the radical liberals seeking to defund the police
STANDING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT: Our men and women in blue risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.
I will stand with them against the radical liberals in the Senate seeking to defund them.
Source: 2026 Texas Senate campaign website WesleyForTexas.com
Nov 2, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026