A Houston attorney has filed an ethics complaint against Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu, alleging improper fundraising during livestreamed protests over redistricting.
A Houston attorney has lodged an ethics complaint against state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, alleging that the chair of the House Democratic Caucus has been using livestreams from the House floor to seek political donations amid the current redistricting impasse in the chamber.
The complaint, filed with the Texas Ethics Commission by attorney Mark McCaig, chairman of the Texas Republican Initiative, alleges Wu and the caucus broadcast Texas House proceedings on social media while directing viewers to fundraising sites.
The recent livestream showcased state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, who declined to follow a directive from House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, which mandated that absent Democrats return to the chamber under the watch of Department of Public Safety officers. Collier shared videos on social media showcasing her defiance, featuring a conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris, who urged her to “keep doing what you are doing.”
Throughout the caucus livestream, viewers were encouraged to “Support Rep. Collier,” with a link provided to her campaign website, which directs to the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. A scrolling ticker also displayed: “Join the battle against redistricting!” Stand up against Texas redistricting from any location! Visit RiggedRedistricting.com.
McCaig’s complaint contends that the livestream constituted political advertising in breach of Texas election law, highlighting that the public lacks access to the House floor. “Wu holds access to the House floor in their capacity as a State Representative,” the complaint indicates. “The video stream guides viewers to a fundraising site for the Texas House Democratic Caucus.”
After the complaint was filed, the caucus added a disclaimer to the livestream ticker stating the fundraising appeal was “not intended for political advertising”. It removed direct fundraising links from the broadcast.
“The recent events illustrate that the Democrats’ actions are more focused on raising funds than on actual policy,” McCaig stated to The Center Square.
The ongoing disagreement unfolds as House Democrats persist in opposing the redistricting efforts spearheaded by Republicans. Their lack of presence in the initial special session hindered the approval of congressional maps and a flood relief package, leading Burrows to issue civil arrest warrants. Governor Greg Abbott has also instructed DPS troopers to bring back lawmakers who are currently absent from the Capitol.
The Senate has successfully passed its redistricting and relief bills with bipartisan backing, but the House is currently at a standstill. Several Democrats have shredded their permission slips to exit the chamber in a show of dissent.
