Democratic candidate Cecilia Castellano for the Texas House dismissed the state’s vote harvesting investigation as “nonsense” during a news conference. Authorities searched the homes of an aide and elderly Latino volunteers in connection with the probe. Latino civil rights leaders and state lawmakers are pushing for federal and state investigations into the raids.
Castellano’s opponent, Don McLaughlin Jr., denied any involvement in the investigation and stressed that Castellano is innocent until proven guilty. The investigation, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is centered around allegations of illegal vote harvesting in multiple local races, including Castellano’s.
Republicans are looking to flip the South Texas seat Castellano is running for, with hopes of passing a school voucher bill next legislative session. Critics have condemned the investigation as politically motivated, claiming it is an effort to intimidate Latino voters.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) plans to file complaints seeking a federal review of the state’s investigation. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez is also seeking a state inquiry, although the likelihood of approval from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is uncertain.
Paxton’s office has remained largely silent on the investigation, despite the controversy surrounding the search warrants and raids. With tensions high and accusations flying, the political landscape in South Texas remains heated as the investigation unfolds.
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