Tony McDonald

Tony McDonald

Tony McDonald serves as General Counsel to Texas Scorecard. A licensed and practicing attorney, Tony specializes in the areas of civil litigation, legislative lawyering, and non-profit regulatory compliance. Tony resides in Fort Worth with his wife and daughter.
Democrat Wants to Supercharge the TEC’s Harassment Machine
Democrat Wants to Supercharge the TEC’s Harassment Machine
March 31, 2025
The legislation gives this rogue agency new tools to punish political speech, all while insulating it from meaningful accountability.
Analysis: If You Don’t Want to Register as a Lobbyist, Just Hire One
Analysis: If You Don’t Want to Register as a Lobbyist, Just Hire One
March 13, 2025
“It’s not easy, I understand. It’s certainly not intuitive,” said TEC Chairman Randy Erben, explaining the state’s lobbyist registration laws.
Pay Them to Go Away: A TEC Cautionary Tale of Katy Christian Magazine vs The Link Letter
Pay Them to Go Away: A TEC Cautionary Tale of Katy Christian Magazine vs The Link Letter
February 5, 2025
Without meaningful reform, the Texas Ethics Commission will continue to target those least able to fight back while letting well-connected actors off...
From BBQ Plates to First Amendment Fights: How the Texas Ethics Commission Harasses Texans
From BBQ Plates to First Amendment Fights: How the Texas Ethics Commission Harasses Texans
January 29, 2025
While the TEC is relentless against small-time players, it often gives politically connected players a pass.
How Texans for Lawsuit Reform Paid Pennies While the TEC Targeted an Elderly Activist
How Texans for Lawsuit Reform Paid Pennies While the TEC Targeted an Elderly Activist
January 22, 2025
Without change, the TEC will continue to enforce a two-tiered system of justice—one where the powerful pay pennies, and the powerless pay everything.
Darnella Wilkerson: A Grassroots Activist Crushed by the Texas Ethics Commission
Darnella Wilkerson: A Grassroots Activist Crushed by the Texas Ethics Commission
January 15, 2025
The TEC must be redirected to enforce the laws against public officials, not private citizens.
Commissioner Sounds the Alarm Over Weaponization of the FEC
Commissioner Sounds the Alarm Over Weaponization of the FEC
September 20, 2023
In comments to Congress, Commissioner Trey Trainor warns that the federal speech regulator is abusing citizens’ rights.
Texas Must Cease Using Race in Admissions, Employment, and Contracting
Texas Must Cease Using Race in Admissions, Employment, and Contracting
July 13, 2023
The Legislature should permanently remove the stain of racial discrimination from our statutes.
Texas Law Commands Respect for Wisdom of Voters
Texas Law Commands Respect for Wisdom of Voters
May 31, 2023
The impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton for acts prior to his election is contrary to state law.
Analysis: What Are the House Deadlines During the 88th Legislature?
Analysis: What Are the House Deadlines During the 88th Legislature?
January 9, 2023
How soon do bills really need to move in order to pass?
McDonald: The Evil That Lurks on the Texas House’s Fast-Track Calendar
McDonald: The Evil That Lurks on the Texas House’s Fast-Track Calendar
April 9, 2021
A payout bonanza for tax collectors sneaks through the Texas House without discussion.
What Are the Real House Deadlines During the 87th Legislature?
What Are the Real House Deadlines During the 87th Legislature?
January 7, 2021
Updated for 2021: When do bills need to be out of committee in order to pass?