Non-Profits Fund Mailers in El Paso Council Races
Two non-profit groups are using campaign funds to target El Paso City Council incumbents.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Non-profit groups are spending thousands on political mailers to influence El Paso City Council races. The spending highlights the role of outside organizations in local elections without disclosing their funding sources.
Why it matters
The influence of undisclosed funding sources on municipal elections raises questions about transparency for local voters. This spending directly impacts how residents receive information about candidates based on their past voting records.
The Sun City Coalition spent $63,744.57 on mailers, while Ground Game Texas invested $29,872.30 in support of their preferred candidates. The entities did not disclose the underlying sources of these campaign funds.
The players
Alejandra Chávez
She is a District 1 incumbent on the El Paso City Council who voted against ending the META contract.
Chris Canales
He is the District 8 incumbent on the El Paso City Council who voted in favor of ending the META contract.
Ivan Niño
He serves as a District 5 incumbent on the El Paso City Council and voted against ending the META contract.
Art Fierro
He is a District 6 incumbent on the El Paso City Council who voted against ending the META contract.
Ground Game Texas
This organization mobilizes voters and conducts advocacy through grassroots campaign communications.
The details
The Sun City Coalition sent mailers supporting incumbents Alejandra Chávez, Ivan Niño, and Art Fierro, while targeting District 8 incumbent Chris Canales. Conversely, Amanecer People's Project endorsed Matthew James Kozik, Richard Genera, Jesse Moreno, and Chris Canales, with Ground Game Texas financing mailers for that group.
Timeline
In June 2026, the City Council voted on the META contract.
Ground Game Texas sent two political mailers on October 8, 2026.
Ground Game Texas sent three political mailers on October 23, 2026.
Early voting ends on October 30, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The lack of transparency regarding funding sources for these non-profits challenges the oversight goals of the Texas Ethics Commission campaign finance disclosure requirements. This development follows a pattern of outside groups utilizing organizational structures to influence local contests.
El Paso voters are receiving targeted campaign information from outside groups that may shape their perception of incumbent voting records. Residents should remain aware that these mailers are financed by non-profits that have not disclosed their financial backers.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that political mailers are often part of strategic campaigns funded by organizations with undisclosed motives. Researching a candidate's complete voting record remains a more reliable way to understand their platform than relying on targeted campaign literature.
What happens next
Early voting concludes on October 30, 2026, ahead of the final Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local races on the El Paso elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by El Paso Herald Post.
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