Former State Rep. Chris Paddie (R–Marshall) has been issued a $105,500 fine by the Texas Ethics Commission. This comes amid a lawsuit Paddie filed against the commission, alleging it attempted to threaten him into paying a previous fine.
Paddie’s attorney told Texas Scorecard that a formal challenge to the new fine will be added to the ongoing litigation.
Background
Paddie was originally fined by the TEC in June 2025 for allegedly violating a 2019 ethics law that he helped write. The law prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for two years after donating to colleagues.
Following a June investigation, the TEC found “credible evidence” of Paddie having violated the law and offered a $55,000 fine as a “proposed resolution.” If Paddie rejected the offer, the commission would hold a formal hearing on the matter.
Jordan Hunn—TEC’s deputy director of enforcement—reportedly sent an email to Paddie in July threatening that “if Paddie did not pay the $55,000.00 fine, Hunn would (1) bar Paddie from attempting to resolve the Sworn Complaint short of a public hearing, (2) take the depositions of Paddie’s consulting clients, and (3) publicly disclose communications about the matter that were made confidential by law.”
As previously reported by Texas Scorecard, Paddie filed a lawsuit against Hunn and the TEC, arguing that Hunn’s threats are illegal, beyond the scope of Hunn’s powers, and violate Paddie’s due process rights.
He is asking the court for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction—meaning he is not seeking monetary relief in the lawsuit but is asking the court to prohibit the TEC from following through on Hunn’s threats.
TEC’s Final Order
Paddie ultimately rejected TEC’s proposal, waived his right to a formal hearing, and requested that the commission enter a final order without conducting a formal hearing. After conducting an additional investigation, Paddie was again found to have violated the election law.
On November 6, the TEC released its final order, fining Paddie $105,500—what is widely reported as the largest penalty the commission has ever issued. It is nearly double the $55,000 fine offered by the TEC in June.
Paddie is being represented by attorney Ross Fischer, who told Texas Scorecard that the TEC’s order will be appealed to district court—the proper method for challenging a final order by the commission.
“Mr. Paddie’s appeal will be filed in the pending suit in Harrison County,” said Fischer. “It will be filed before the December 5th deadline.”
The Texas Ethics Commission did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment in time for publication.
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