Texas Judge Unseals Deposition on Political Text Campaign
A court order reveals the Republican Women Caucus Fund sent text messages targeting LGBTQ+ youth resources to Texas voters.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
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A Travis County judge has ordered the unsealing of a deposition that confirms the Republican Women Caucus Fund and John Braun orchestrated a text messaging campaign targeting LGBTQ+ youth resources. The disclosure follows a petition from the Transgender Education Network of Texas, which alleges the materials were intended to harm the group's reputation.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights growing scrutiny over political messaging tactics in the state. The Transgender Education Network of Texas claims these texts and related mailers were designed to agitate voters and manipulate the public discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
A Travis County judge ordered an Infobip deposition regarding political text origins to be made non-confidential. This follows the registration of the Texas Transgender Student Union as a Wyoming business in September 2026.
The players
John Braun
He is identified as a participant in the distribution of political text messages alongside the Republican Women Caucus Fund.
Jeff Leach
He is a State Representative who formally requested an investigation by the Texas Attorney General into the political materials.
Sarah Stogner
She is the West Texas District Attorney who initiated a criminal investigation into the mailers for potential forgery.
Transgender Education Network of Texas
This organization petitioned the court to identify the originators of political texts and mailers they believe damage their reputation.
Republican Women Caucus Fund
This political organization is identified in court documents as being responsible for sending text messages to Texas voters.
The details
State Representative Jeff Leach has requested an investigation by the Texas Attorney General into the materials, while West Texas District Attorney Sarah Stogner has launched a criminal probe focusing on potential forgery. The investigation centers on the legitimacy of mailers referencing the Transgender Education Network of Texas that were distributed alongside the text campaign.
Timeline
The Texas Transgender Student Union registered in Wyoming in early September 2026.
A Travis County judge ordered the deposition to be made non-confidential on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The District Attorney opened a criminal investigation into the mailers last week in October 2026.
Political Context
This investigation into political messaging follows a pattern of high-profile political scrutiny in the state established during the 2023 Texas Attorney General impeachment trial. Opposition voices contend these probes are politically motivated maneuvers rather than standard legal oversight.
Residents may see continued investigation into political mailers and texts sent during the 2026 election cycle. This oversight process determines whether political organizations will be held legally accountable for the messaging campaigns they deploy.
The takeaway
The unsealing of the deposition marks a significant step in identifying the actors behind anonymous political messaging campaigns. Voters should be aware that the legal scrutiny surrounding these materials could result in formal charges related to forgery.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory climate surrounding state campaigns, see Texas Elections.
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