A casino-funded political action committee is stepping in with a major television buy to defend State Rep. Ken King as he faces a contested Republican primary.
Texas Defense PAC—a political committee backed by interests tied to the push for legalized casino gambling in Texas—has reserved $246,000 in Amarillo and Lubbock broadcast television advertising to support King and oppose his challenger, John Browning.
The spending marks one of the largest late-cycle interventions by casino-aligned groups in a Republican House primary this year and signals that keeping King has become a priority for gambling advocates.
King, who chairs the powerful House State Affairs Committee, has drawn criticism from conservative activists and lawmakers who accuse him of using his position to block priority legislation.
Recent campaign ads targeting King have featured incumbent Republicans, including State Reps. Tony Tinderholt and Wes Virdell, highlighting his role in stopping conservative bills from advancing out of committee. The ads also spotlight King’s vote with Democrats against an amendment aimed at preventing the psychological transitioning of children.
Notably, while Republican Caucus rules discourage incumbents from campaigning against fellow Republican members, King has declined to join the Republican Caucus.
Texas Defense PAC has been active in multiple Republican primaries this cycle, backing candidates seen as more open to gambling expansion while opposing lawmakers viewed as resistant to casino legislation.
The latest financial reports show nearly $6.5 million cash in hand, entirely funded by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation and casino magnate Miriam Adelson.
