Ever feel like the top politicians in Texas are the “cool kids” from your high school, all grown up, now in an even more powerful clique?
Sometimes we do too.
We’ve taken a look at their latest report cards — uh — make that their latest reports with the Texas Ethics Commission, and issued the 2018 Statewide High Class Awards:
Most Popular – Governor Greg Abbott
With most votes (3,279,187), most contributions ($31,337,255), and most cash-on-hand ($20,460,785), it seems this guy is the Homecoming King and Class President, all rolled into one.
Most Talkative – Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick
After spending more than $13,515,746 this election season alone with media companies, Patrick is a shoe-in for class “Chatty Cathy.” Did we mention that he used to host a radio talk show?
Class Sweetheart – Attorney General Ken Paxton
Sharing $600,000 of his campaign cash with long-time bae, Angela Paxton, made all the other candidates swoon.
Most Team Spirit – Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick
After giving $168,231 of her campaign cash to the Republican Party of Texas PAC, we think she should go all-in and wear red face paint too.
Most Generous – Comptroller Glenn Hegar
Donating one-quarter-of-a-million dollars to the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts will impress even the toughest jock.
Most Coveted Invite List – Land Commissioner George P. Bush
Remember that cool kid with the rich daddy who hosted fancy parties you only got to hear about? George P. used campaign dollars to host events at Stiles Switch BBQ ($11,908), Lambert’s Downtown BBQ ($4,417), Bistango at the Kimberly Hotel in Manhattan ($5,284), and the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine ($3,080).
Car King – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
Miller spent $37,601 of donor money at Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land to purchase a campaign vehicle. We can just see him, cruising across Texas, crankin’ some Ted Nugent, and planning his next viral Facebook post.
Check out the most recent numbers reported by your favorite Texas politicians and make some nominations of your own. Let us know on Twitter @TransparencyTX or Facebook @TransparencyTexas.
Our Capitol Crowd series investigates the money behind the politicians, advocacy groups, and donors who have the biggest impact in Austin.