As voters prepare to select a new state senator for Texas Senate District 9, one candidate is receiving a flood of support from the casino industry.
Former Southlake Mayor John Huffman reported a $500,000 contribution from the Texas Sands PAC, the political arm of Las Vegas Sands, in the latest campaign finance report covering the period through September 25.
The casino lobby has also funded advertising through the Texas Defense PAC, a committee wholly funded by Sands.
With more than $9 million in cash on hand, nearly all from billionaire Miriam Adelson—owner of Las Vegas Sands and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks—the casino giant has become a big spender in Texas politics. Major TV ad buys in the district’s television market suggest even more spending is expected before Election Day.
Huffman, however, insists his position on gambling has been consistent.
“From day one, I’ve been consistent in my belief that Texans should have the right to decide this issue for themselves,” Huffman told Texas Scorecard. “I support putting the question of expanded gaming on the ballot for voters to consider.”
At the same time, Huffman drew a line on how gambling expansion should look.
“I’m firmly opposed to a future where unregulated slot machines and electronic gaming devices—the same kinds of machines Leigh Wambsganss has financially profited from for years—sit on every street corner,” he said.
“If voters choose expansion, it should be limited, well-regulated, and focused on a small number of high-end destination resorts that create jobs and attract tourism, not neighborhood gambling operations that hurt our communities.”
Huffman’s chief Republican rival, conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss, is pushing back both on the casino issue and Huffman’s criticism.
The claims about “unregulated gaming” stem from a past investment by Wambsganss’ husband in Newmarket Entertainment LLC, which operated electronic pull-tab machines (often indistinguishable from traditional slot machines) for “charitable social clubs” in Virginia. Wambsganss says she had no involvement.
“I am not involved directly or indirectly in my husband’s legal practice or his personal investments,” she said.
Wambsganss has made her opposition to expanded gambling in Texas clear.
“My position remains consistent. I do not believe gambling is a wholesome activity,” she said. “The research is conclusive: gambling has a negative impact on families and has a detrimental effect on the community as a whole.”
“Gambling exists in many locations around the country, even just a short drive north of our area in Oklahoma,” she said. “But I do not think expanded gambling is right for Texas,” she added.
Wambsganss also raised concerns about the influence of a single donor.
“Voters in this district should be very concerned with any candidate who receives more than 94% of their contributions from one single special interest,” she added. “We need a senator who will represent us in Austin.”
The special election to replace former State Sen. Kelly Hancock, who resigned earlier this year to become acting comptroller, will be held November 4, 2025. Early voting runs October 20–31.
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