Transparency USA | 11/04/2016

We’ve all gotten those glossy mailers pleading for a donation to a candidate’s campaign. They beg you to spare $50, or even just $25, to help a candidate get elected so he or she can single-handedly save the state of Texas. How would you feel if you made a donation to a Texas political candidate or …

Transparency USA | 11/03/2016

Arguably the most surprising electoral upset in the Texas Republican Party primary occurred in House District 20 (HD20). This district is comprised of Burnet and Milam counties, along with the northern portion of Williamson County. The race saw two-term incumbent State Representative Marsha Farney face off with, and ultimately lose to, Colonel Terry Wilson, a retired …

Transparency USA | 10/24/2016

Holloway “Holly” Frost and Kathaleen Wall make up one of the most politically influential couples in the greater Houston area; a remarkable feat given the fact that the city boasts arguably the largest, and deepest, pockets for political giving in the state. Mr. Frost was the founder and CEO of high tech company Texas Memory Systems, while Ms. …

Transparency USA | 10/19/2016

Arguably the most heated Republican primary race in the greater Houston area in 2016 occurred in State House District 150 (HD150). The race featured twelve-year incumbent State Representative Debbie Riddle, along with three challengers, including local grassroots leader Valoree Swanson – the eventual winner. Here’s a quick look at the numbers: Texas House District 150 – By …

Transparency USA | 10/07/2016

T. Dan Friedkin is the owner and CEO of Gulf States Toyota, the largest private company in Houston. With exclusive rights to sell Toyota vehicles in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, Mr. Friedkin has expanded upon the business originally built by his father. In 2016, according to Forbes, Mr. Friedkin ranked as the 162nd …