As the race to replace outgoing State Rep. Dennis Paul in House District 129 heats up, one candidate is already under fire for a political contribution.
Bob Mitchell, a newly announced candidate and former president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, is facing scrutiny from the conservative grassroots after it was revealed he donated to the late Democrat U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
According to Federal Election Commission records, Mitchell contributed $250 to Jackson Lee’s campaign on February 25, 2007. The contribution was earmarked for the Democrat primary and lists Mitchell’s occupation and employer at the time as “Executive Director” of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, appearing to confirm his identity.
The donation has drawn sharp criticism from Scott Bowen, a former Clear Creek ISD trustee and member of the State Republican Executive Committee who launched his campaign for the open seat shortly after Paul announced his Senate run.
“Bob Mitchell donated to one of the most liberal, most anti-Trump Democrats in Congress: Sheila Jackson Lee, which is completely disqualifying to our Republican voters,” said Bowen. “As a lifelong resident of HD 129, I can tell you that the Republicans of our district are looking for a conservative champion in Austin.”
Jackson Lee, who died last year, was regarded as one of the most liberal members of Congress during her tenure.
Despite the public record, Mitchell denied on Facebook that he donated to “anyone.” He has not responded to a request for comment from Texas Scorecard.
Paul, meanwhile, is running for the Texas Senate to replace Mayes Middleton who is currently campaigning for attorney general. Mitchell previously ran unsuccessfully against Middleton in the Republican primary in 2022.
