DOJ Investigates Texas Democratic Group Over Alleged Vote Buying Scheme

The Justice Department has initiated an investigation into a Texas Democratic group following the release of a viral video. This video features an operative discussing the “roundabout” methods the organization purportedly employs to incentivize voting in the midterm elections.

Sources have confirmed that the DOJ is looking into Texas Majority PAC. This investigation was initially reported by a news outlet.

Earlier this month, footage released by a conservative media outlet showcased Sky MacAdams, a recently terminated organizing manager for Texas Majority PAC. In the video, he revealed to an undercover reporter the supposed loophole the group uses to navigate federal election regulations.

MacAdams states in the video, “We are paying people $25 to attend a one-hour Zoom class to learn why voting is important and why the Republicans are causing all of these bad things.” He referred to the approach as a “roundabout way of paying people for their votes,” implying it occupies a gray area in terms of legality.

Federal law clearly prohibits payments for votes, with serious repercussions for violations, which could include up to two years in prison.

In response to the statements made by MacAdams, Eddie Vale, a spokesperson for Texas Majority PAC, claimed that the way MacAdams characterized their “relational organizing program” is misleading. He maintained that their practices are legitimate. “We hire Texans to join events where they are taught how to organize their friends and family,” Vale stated. “They encourage their friends and family to turn out and vote and send them regular reminders. They are compensated for their organizing work, just like any other job.”

Vale further explained that these grassroots efforts have been standard for campaigns over the years and that MacAdams’ remarks do not accurately reflect their operations. He also mentioned that MacAdams was fired due to his comments.

According to a state campaign finance report, Texas Majority PAC allocated $500,000 to a political consulting firm this past May for its Relational Organizing Program.

In light of the video, Representative Pat Fallon from Texas has called for Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate Texas Majority PAC. In a letter to Blanche, Fallon expressed concerns over the group’s alleged violations of election law, stating, “Texas Majority PAC, through its documented partnership with Relentless, has openly admitted to defying the law and purchasing votes in the U.S. Senate race. If this is true, this criminal behavior has no place in America and our elections.”

Fallon added that the government has a duty to investigate and hold accountable those trying to undermine free and fair elections through voter bribery.

The DOJ and Texas Majority PAC have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation.