A candidate for an open Senate seat in North Texas says a fraudulent donation was made in his name to House Speaker Dade Phelan.
Jace Yarbrough, an attorney and Air Force veteran, was shown on a recent campaign finance report as having sent a $75 donation to Phelan on December 24, just days after he filed to run for the open Senate District 30 seat.
Yarbrough, however, has categorically denied making any donation to Phelan.
“While our team is still gathering information, this appears to be an attempt to smear me with our party’s grassroots,” said Yarbrough.
He also emphasized his role as counsel to State Sen. Angela Paxton (R–McKinney) during the impeachment trial of her husband Attorney General Ken Paxton that was championed by Phelan.
“I was proud to serve Senator Paxton as her general counsel during the impeachment trial,” said Yarbrough. “I agreed with Representatives Schaefer, Smithee, and others that the House’s rushed impeachment process set a dangerous precedent.”
If the donation is indeed fraudulent, the culprit may be guilty of more than just dirty campaign tricks.
The Texas State Election Code states “A person may not knowingly make or authorize a political expenditure in the name of or on behalf of another” without their knowledge. It is a Class A misdemeanor to do so.
“This false attack won’t work,” Yarbrough remarked. “The truth about where I stand and have always stood is publicly available for anyone to read. And to the conspirators who committed this fraud: your bullying and dishonesty will fail. My loyalty is with the voters of Senate District 30. I will not be pressured into silence by deceptive tactics.”
Senate District 30 is being vacated by outgoing State Sen. Drew Springer (R–Muenster). Yarbrough is one of four Republicans competing for the open seat, alongside Carrie de Moor, Brent Hagenbuch, and Cody Clark.
Phelan’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the donation.
