Breaking-News, Campaign Finance
07/07/2020

Abbott, Realtors, TLR Among Top Runoff Contributors

TXElects

Runoff reports were due yesterday (Monday) for state candidates on the July 14 primary runoff ballot. Candidates in the SD14 special election were required to file 8-day-out reports. These runoff reports disclose contributions received and expenditures made between February 23 and July 4.

The largest contributors to multiple legislative and statewide candidates for the period were Texans for Lawsuit Reform (at least $438K), Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($288K among those itemized below), Associated Republicans of Texas PAC (at least $191K) and Gov. Greg Abbott’s Campaign (at least $125K). Cisco businessman Farris Wilks gave $425K to a single campaign, and Border Health PAC gave $150K to Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr.’s campaign.

Runoff candidates collectively raised $4.7M, led by Lucio’s $1.1M and Jon Francis’s $577K, and spent $4.2M during the period.

SD14 special: Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) out-raised former Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, $306K to $79K, and outspent her, $466K to $148K. Former Austin council member Don Zimmerman, one of two Republicans in the race, raised $6K and spend $9K. He was out-raised by Libertarian candidate Pat Dixon ($8K).

SD19: Xochil Peña Rodriguez out-raised Rep. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio), $65K to $27K, and outpent him, $147K to $99K, for the period. She also increased her loan principal by $155K. Rodriguez’s largest contributors for the period included Dallas musician Don Henley ($10K), New Braunfels consultant John Archer ($8K), San Antonio accountant Marshall O’Dowd ($7K) and San Antonio attorney Barry Snell ($5K).

SD27: Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville) out-raised Sara Stapleton-Barrera, $1.1M to $40K, and outspent her, $767K to $69K. Lucio’s largest contributors for the period included Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($268K), Border Health PAC ($150K), Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($124K), Austin advertiser Curtis Ford ($22K), Dallas energy executive Ray Hunt ($20K) and Doss retiree Michael Porter ($20K). Stapleton-Barrera’s largest contributor was Annie’s List ($4K), and nearly all other donors contributed $1K or less. For the election cycle, Lucio has out-raised Stapleton-Barrera, $2.2M to $52K, and outspent her, $2.1M to $324K.

HD2: Rep. Dan Flynn out-raised challenger Bryan Slaton, $336K to $167K, and outspent him, $255K to $141K. Flynn’s largest contributors were Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($65K), Associated Republicans of Texas PAC ($35K), Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign ($31K), Texas Consumer Lenders PAC ($15K), Texas Trial Lawyers Assoc. PAC ($10K). Slaton’s largest contributors were Midland oil businessman Tim Dunn ($150K), the Texas Federation for Children PAC ($6K) and Odessa oil businesspeople Amelia and Calvin Zugg ($5K), collectively accounting for 96% of Slaton’s contributions for the period.

HD25 open: Cody Vasut out-raised Ro’Vin Garrett, $48K to $22K, and outspent her, $69K to $38K. Vasut’s largest contributors were Rep. Mayes Middleton ($15K), Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($10K), Lake Jackson retiree William Samuel ($5K), Lake Jackson executive Kenneth Vernor ($5K)

HD26 open: Jacey Jetton out-raised Matt Morgan, $239K to $26K, and outspent him, $86K to $44K. Jetton’s largest contributors were Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($118K), Associated Republicans of Texas PAC ($41K), Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign ($31K), Houston homebuilder Richard Weekley ($10K). Morgan’s largest contributor was Congress PAC ($7K).

HD45: Carrie Isaac out-raised Bud Wymore, $98K to $21K, and outspent him, $83K to $50K. Isaac’s largest contributors included Texas Federation for Children PAC ($42K), Texas Charter Schools Now PAC ($15K) and Rep. Mayes Middleton ($5K).

HD47: Justin Berry out-raised Jennifer Fleck, $223K to $19K, and outspent her, $84K to $33K. Berry’s largest contributors were Associated Republicans of Texas PAC ($80K), Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign ($37K), Austin Police Assoc. PAC ($29K), Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($24K), Combined Law Enforcement Assocs. of Texas PAC ($15K) and Life PAC ($11K).

HD59: Rep. J.D. Sheffield out-raised challenger Shelby Slawson, $253K to $88K, and outspent her, $247K to $170K. Sheffield’s largest contributors were Texas Medical Assoc. TexPAC ($45K), Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign ($26K), Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($18K) and Associated Republicans of Texas ($12K). He received contributions totaling $19K from 13 House Republicans. Slawson’s largest contributors were Texas Optometric PAC ($25K), Frisco developer Frank Peinado ($20K loan forgiveness) and Texas Nurse Practitioners PAC ($14K).

HD60 open: Jon Francis out-raised Glenn Rogers, $577K to $378K, thanks to $425K from his father-in-law Farris Wilks. Francis outspent Rogers, $585K to $287K. Aside from Wilks, Francis’s largest contributors were the candidate himself ($40K) and Gordon retiree Guy Mabee (25K). Members of the Wilks family have contributed $1.15M to Francis’s campaign, accounting for 83% of his contribution total, so far this election cycle. Rogers’s largest contributors were Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($64K), Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND ($50K), Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign ($44K), Veterinarian PAC ($25K), Associated Republicans of Texas PAC ($23K) and Texas Forever Forward PAC ($10K).

HD100: Rep. Lorraine Birabil (D-Dallas) out-raised Jasmine Crockett, $120K to $62K, and outspent her, $72K to $20K.

HD119 open: Campos’s largest contributors were Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC ($57K), Texas Charter Schools Now PAC ($33K) and Legacy 44 PAC ($13K).

HD142: Rep. Harold Dutton outraised his challenger, Houston council member Jerry Davis, $134K to $45K, but was outspent by Davis, $107K to $68K. Dutton’s largest contributors were Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($35K) and the Texas Trial Lawyers Assoc. PAC ($32K).

HD148: Rep. Anna Eastman (D-Houston) out-raised Penny “Morales” Shaw, $168K to $73K, and outspent her, $183K to $90K.

Rep. Dan Flynn

©2020 Texas Election Source LLC

Filed under Campaign Finance Reports, HD100, HD119, HD142, HD148, HD2, HD25, HD26, HD45, HD47, HD59, HD60, SD14, SD19, SD27 .

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How to Choose the Best Federal Legislative Tracking Software for Your Organization
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Every year, thousands of bills move through Congress, and without the right tracking system, teams miss critical information that affects compliance, strategy, and advocacy.

Manual tracking creates gaps.

Teams rely on scattered data, delayed alerts, and inconsistent updates, which makes it harder to stay ahead of policy developments.

Modern legislative tracking tools solve this by centralizing legislative and regulatory data, automating bill tracking, and delivering real-time alerts.

They allow organizations to monitor federal legislation, understand the legislative process, and act quickly when changes occur.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to evaluate legislative monitoring platforms, what features matter most, and how policy management solutions help government affairs teams work smarter.

You will also see how to compare tools, avoid mistakes, and choose a system that fits your organization.

After reviewing your current workflow, you can explore a centralized system like federal legislative tracking software

to improve how your team tracks legislation and responds to policy changes.

What Is Federal Legislative Tracking Software?

Federal legislative tracking software is a system that helps organizations track bills, monitor committee hearings, and follow the full legislative process in one place.

It replaces manual spreadsheets with automated tracking, giving users access to accurate and updated data.

Core Functionality Explained

A strong legislative tracking tool provides:

  • Bill tracking across Congress and committees.
  • Real-time alerts when bills move or change.
  • Search tools to filter legislation by keywords or policy areas.
  • Centralized legislative and regulatory data.

Instead of checking multiple sources, users can track bills with just a few clicks.

These systems also:

  • Automate legislative tracking across every legislative session.
  • Provide bill summaries to quickly understand relevance.
  • Deliver alerts when committee hearings or votes are scheduled.
  • Help users stay informed about pending legislation and regulatory changes.

Congress introduces thousands of bills each year.

Without automation, tracking becomes inefficient and error-prone.

Why Organizations Need Legislative Monitoring Platforms

Organizations face constant pressure to monitor federal legislation and regulatory developments.

Missing a policy update can impact compliance, operations, and long-term planning.

Key Use Cases Across Industries

Legislative monitoring platforms support different teams across an organization:

  • Government affairs teams track policy developments and engage with legislators.
  • Public affairs professionals monitor regulatory tracking and advocacy efforts.
  • Legal teams follow regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Corporations track bills that impact stakeholders and clients.

These tools help organizations:

  • Stay ahead of policy changes and regulatory developments.
  • Improve response time with real-time alerts.
  • Support advocacy and government relations strategies.
  • Provide actionable insights for informed decisions.

For example, a public policy manager can monitor policy areas and receive alerts when bills move through committee assignments.

This allows the team to act quickly and ensure their voice is heard during advocacy efforts.

Essential Features to Look For in Policy Management Solutions

Choosing the right legislative tracking tool depends on features that align with your organization and workflow tools.

Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

Real-time alerts are critical for staying informed.

Look for:

  • Alerts for bill movements, amendments, and executive orders.
  • Email alerts and dashboard notifications.
  • Alerts tailored to specific policy areas.

These alerts ensure your team never misses the latest developments.

Advanced Search and Filtering

Search functionality determines how quickly you find relevant results.

Key features include:

  • Keyword-based search across legislative and regulatory data.
  • Filters by committee, sponsor, and legislative session.
  • Ability to track bills across multiple policy areas.

Strong search tools help teams quickly understand what matters.

Data Visualization and Reporting

Advanced reporting turns raw data into useful analysis.

Look for:

  • Legislative dashboards that show trends.
  • Custom reports for stakeholders and clients.
  • Advanced reporting features for deeper analysis.

These features help organizations make informed decisions based on real data.

AI and Predictive Analytics

AI-powered tools are changing how legislative tracking works.

Capabilities include:

  • AI-powered insights that summarize bills.
  • Predictive analysis of policy changes.
  • Detection of trends across legislation.

These tools help policy professionals quickly understand large volumes of data.

Integration Capabilities

Integration improves team collaboration and workflow.

Look for systems that:

  • Connect with CRM and internal workflow tools.
  • Allow teams to assign tasks and share notes.
  • Support team collaboration across departments.

Integration ensures support teams can work together efficiently.

How to Evaluate Federal Legislative Tracking Software

Selecting the right legislative tracking tool requires a clear evaluation process.

Define Your Organization’s Needs

Start by understanding your organization:

  • Size of your team.
  • Type of legislative and regulatory tracking required.
  • Level of engagement in government affairs.

This helps narrow down options.

Compare Features vs Cost

Pricing varies depending on coverage and features.

  • Basic tools may cost around $1,000.
  • Advanced systems can exceed $5,000.

Focus on ROI rather than price alone.

Assess Data Accuracy and Coverage

Accurate data is essential.

Check:

  • Coverage of federal legislation and regulatory data.
  • Frequency of updates from Congress.
  • Quality of bill summaries and analysis.

to understand how legislative information is structured.

User Experience and Support

User experience affects adoption.

Evaluate:

  • Ease of use.
  • Onboarding and support.
  • Ability for teams to collaborate.

A system should help your team work smarter, not harder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Legislative Tracking Systems

Many organizations choose tools without fully evaluating their needs.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

Low-cost tools may lack comprehensive coverage and advanced reporting.

Ignoring Integration Needs

Without integration, workflow tools become disconnected.

Overlooking User Adoption

Complex systems reduce productivity and team collaboration.

Not Testing the Platform

Always request demos or trials.

Testing ensures the tool fits your organization and supports your team.

Key Benefits of Using Federal Legislative Tracking Software

Organizations that adopt legislative tracking tools gain a clear advantage.

Improved Decision-Making

Access to real-time data leads to better analysis and informed decisions.

Time Efficiency

Automation helps teams save time by reducing manual research.

Enhanced Compliance

Tracking regulations and policy changes reduces compliance risks.

Strategic Advantage

Organizations can stay ahead of policy developments and act early.

Benefits include:

  • Faster response to legislation.
  • Better communication with stakeholders.
  • Stronger advocacy and government relations strategies.

Future Trends in Legislative Monitoring Platforms

Legislative tracking continues to evolve with new technology.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

AI-powered systems provide predictive insights and deeper analysis.

Increased Automation

Automation reduces manual tracking and improves efficiency.

Data-Driven Policy Insights

Advanced analytics provide actionable insights into policy changes.

Organizations are shifting toward intelligent platforms that combine data, AI-powered tools, and automation.

How to Implement Legislative Tracking Software Successfully

Implementation determines long-term success.

Onboarding and Training

Train your team to use the system effectively.

Define Monitoring Criteria

Set alerts, keywords, and policy areas to track bills.

Integrate with Existing Systems

Ensure smooth workflow integration and team collaboration.

Proper setup helps organizations maximize value and stay informed.

Texas Political Spotlight
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Welcome back, friends

Texas hemp businesses have filed suit to block new state regulations they say effectively ban smokeable hemp products and impose licensing fee increases so steep they could force many businesses to close. Yesterday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the explosive growth of data centers in the state, with interconnection requests on the power grid now exceeding 400,000 megawatts and raising questions about cost, reliability, and water usage. Lastly, nineteen Texas summer camps are challenging a new state mandate requiring them to install fiber optic internet infrastructure, citing costs as high as $1.2 million and arguing the requirement is unworkable for rural properties and does nothing to improve camper safety.

Before you dive in…

USLege will be hosting our first ever Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony on April 23rd at Speakeasy in Downtown Austin.

Winners and guests will be treated to evening of celebration for the accomplishments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

You can expect music, networking, food & drinks and formal award acceptance.  

This is going to be a fun party! We hope to see you there.

»» RSVP HERE: Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony hosted by USLege

»» Watch Representative Ken King’s Intro Here ««

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
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Welcome back, friends

A federal trial is underway in Texas over whether the state's prison system has done enough to protect inmates from extreme heat, with a price tag of $1.5 billion standing at the center of the debate. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has tasked a new legislative committee with studying whether Texas could absorb one or more counties from New Mexico, a long-shot proposal that has already drawn a sharp response from the neighboring state's governor. A public feud between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock has spilled into federal court, where a judge is overseeing the fallout in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination in the state's $1 billion ESA Program.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
This is some text inside of a div block.

Welcome back, friends

Texas hemp businesses have filed suit to block new state regulations they say effectively ban smokeable hemp products and impose licensing fee increases so steep they could force many businesses to close. Yesterday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the explosive growth of data centers in the state, with interconnection requests on the power grid now exceeding 400,000 megawatts and raising questions about cost, reliability, and water usage. Lastly, nineteen Texas summer camps are challenging a new state mandate requiring them to install fiber optic internet infrastructure, citing costs as high as $1.2 million and arguing the requirement is unworkable for rural properties and does nothing to improve camper safety.

Before you dive in…

USLege will be hosting our first ever Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony on April 23rd at Speakeasy in Downtown Austin.

Winners and guests will be treated to evening of celebration for the accomplishments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

You can expect music, networking, food & drinks and formal award acceptance.  

This is going to be a fun party! We hope to see you there.

»» RSVP HERE: Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony hosted by USLege

»» Watch Representative Ken King’s Intro Here ««

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
This is some text inside of a div block.

Welcome back, friends

A federal trial is underway in Texas over whether the state's prison system has done enough to protect inmates from extreme heat, with a price tag of $1.5 billion standing at the center of the debate. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has tasked a new legislative committee with studying whether Texas could absorb one or more counties from New Mexico, a long-shot proposal that has already drawn a sharp response from the neighboring state's governor. A public feud between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock has spilled into federal court, where a judge is overseeing the fallout in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination in the state's $1 billion ESA Program.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
This is some text inside of a div block.

Welcome back, friends

New Texas rules on hemp-derived THC products take effect March 31, reshaping what can be sold, who can sell it and how the industry operates, with major implications for businesses, consumers and enforcement across the state. Lt. Gov Dan Patrick has unveiled the Texas Senate committee lineup. At the same time, state education leaders are moving to revise curriculum guidance tied to Cesar Chavez amid emerging allegations, prompting immediate changes in classrooms and raising broader questions about how schools respond when historical narratives shift.

»»» View official press release from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Here «««

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!