Updated 5/3 with a response from Alison Fox.
A sitting judge on Texas’ highest criminal court reported using campaign funds to make a $4,000 political contribution to another judicial candidate—despite a state law capping such contributions at $100.
According to a January campaign finance report filed by David Newell, who serves on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and is not seeking re-election, his campaign paid $4,000 to “Alison Fox for Judge” in October of 2025, categorizing the expenditure as a political contribution.
The expenditure is listed under “political expenditures from political contributions,” indicating the funds came from Newell’s campaign account.
Alison Fox, who is running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, also reported receiving the contribution in her own campaign filings.
Under Texas Election Code Sec. 253.1611, judicial candidates and officeholders are prohibited from using political contributions to make political contributions exceeding $100 in a calendar year to another candidate.
“It seems clear based on the report that Newell made, and Fox accepted, an illegal campaign contribution,” said Tony McDonald, an attorney experienced in campaign finance law. “It’s surprising that a judge and a statewide judicial candidate would make a mistake like this, but nonetheless they’re likely to face significant civil penalties for it.”
After publication, Allison Fox responded to Texas Scorecard, confirming that she had received and reported the contribution but was not initially aware of the applicable restrictions. Fox said the funds have been returned and that the refund will be reflected in her next campaign finance report.
The report also lists additional contributions to other campaigns, including $1,000 donations to the campaigns of Jo Ann Pierce Linzer, Paul Still, and Mark Hanna, each categorized as political contributions made from campaign funds.
Newell did not respond to a request for comment.
