A pro-casino PAC is contributing significantly to two of Texas’ top officials, Gov. Greg Abbott and Comptroller Glenn Hegar, ahead of the upcoming legislative session. 

According to new campaign finance filings, the Texas Sands PAC donated $150,000 to Abbott and $100,000 to Hegar during August and September.

The PAC also made smaller donations, giving $15,000 to Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and $5,000 to Democrat State Rep. Toni Rose. These contributions are part of a broader strategy as more donations are expected leading up to the legislative session in January. The recent report covers activity between July 1 and September 26.

Before the last legislative session in 2023, the Texas Sands PAC spent over $2.3 million, with notable donations including $300,000 to House Speaker Dade Phelan, $225,000 to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and $200,000 to Abbott.

Additionally, the Texas Defense PAC, funded by Miriam Adelson, owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino group, made in-kind polling contributions to State Reps. Angie Chen Button, Morgan Meyer, and Janie Lopez, as well as House candidates Marc LaHood and John McQueeney.

Despite these efforts, the Republican Party of Texas firmly opposes any expansion of gambling, including legalized casino gambling. The party’s platform urges Republican legislators to reject campaign contributions from gambling-related PACs and lobbyists.

Brandon Waltens

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens

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