Johncoby

Johncoby

@johncoby.bsky.social

Political blogger in Houston at bayareahouston.net

366 followers487 following202 posts

Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Syed Ali Tabatabai, owner of Fountain Blu Event Center in Pasadena gave $5,000. Wendy Cruz donated $13,000 and Lisa Bohls donated about $20,000.

bayareahouston.netRaising Campaign Cash: Richard VegaIt's almost embarrassing and concerning. Vega is running for Harris County Commissioner as an extreme far right christian nationalist. He is buddies with Trump. He has a problem with reporting his donations and following the law. Most of his campaign material is paid for by Friends of Richard Vega but that PAC is not registered with the Texas Ethics Commission. Also in his latest report he raised about $70,000, spent about $74,000 and has a cash on hand balance of $4,666,843. That doesn't make cents. Literally. Vegas biggest donor was State Senator Money Mayes Middleton who donated about $45,000 earlier in the year.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Nearly eight out of every ten dollars ($862,787, or 78%) flowing into his campaign come from just three powerful Political Action Committees

bayareahouston.netGuess Who is Funding Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen in his State Representative RaceIt's the billionaire club. As reported yesterday, Bowen has raised over $1.1 million in his race for Bay Area State Representative. But a closer look at the numbers reveals a startling truth: 88% of his campaign funding comes from out-of-district PACs, while only 5% comes from voters living in the district. Nearly eight out of every ten dollars ($862,787, or 78%) flowing into his campaign come from just three powerful Political Action Committees: Texans for Lawsuit Reform ($530,437): Heavily backed by the homebuilding and insurance industries, TLR exists to restrict consumer access to the court system.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

An insane amount of PAC money is funding Scott Bowen, the new PACMAN of Texas politics.

bayareahouston.netBREAKING: Extremist PACs Invade the Bay Area with over $1 Million to Scott Bowen$1,114,635 to be exact with 88% coming from out of the district extremist PACs and only 5% coming from inside the district donations. This is an insane amount of PAC money. As I said in the past former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen is the new PACMAN of Texas politics. Since running for State Representative after being voted off the CCISD Board by a huge margin, Bowen has raised $1,114,635 mostly from extremist PACs. Only 5% of all his donations have come from within the district. In his last reporting period alone he raise $422,323 with $410,014 coming from PACs and only $12,169 coming from individuals, most out of district.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

All the ingredients are there. A great experienced candidate, a candidate with a horrible record, and a wave of discontent voters.

bayareahouston.netA Perfect Storm Brewing in Clear Lake?Possibly? Texas House District 129 representing the Bay Area has been a reliable Republican stronghold for over three decades, but a "perfect storm" could end that streak. All the key ingredients are in place: a deeply flawed candidate, an exceptionally qualified candidate, and an electorate facing unprecedented pressure. However, one final element remains uncertain: turnout. Scott Bowen Bowen's only positive quality for this race is that he is a Republican and the natural heir to the throne. Bowen’s tenure on the CCISD school board left a trail of chaos, controversy, and political gamesmanship.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Bowen's primary opponent stated in a mailer that Bowen was not married and had no children implying he was gay. It is clear Bowen with this mailer that no one needs to imply anymore.

bayareahouston.netScott Bowen Stoops to Teacher Bashing. Again.I think Scott may be gay and is reaching out for help. The Chronicle has been informed of Mr. Bowen’s recent mailer and campaign tactics. In their semi-endorsement Bowen claimed that social issues were not a priority for him. Well I think that was not true. This literature relies on baseless allegations rather than facts, combining rhetoric targeted at the Transgender community coupled with his party's attacks on Muslim and Latino residents. The mailer cites extreme far-right publications—such as The Catholic World Report and The Texan—and is funded directly by his campaign.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

As noted earlier former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen is the new PACMAN receiving 98% of all his donations from PACs. Now his billionaire buddies have entered the race.

bayareahouston.netOh FFS! Scott Bowen’s Billionaire Buddies Enters the Race in Clear LakeIt took me a while to figure this out, but I did. While on the CCISD Board former Trustee Scott Bowen recruited candidates to run against sitting Board members. He also accepted money from his billionaire buddies featured by CNN, Timothy Dunn and Farris Wilks. They formed a PAC, Defend Texas Liberty and was spreading money all across Texas to extremist candidates like Bowen. That was until their leadership was caught by The Texas Tribune meeting with a known white supremacist, Nick Fuentes. The PAC dissolved. But they are back and are attacking Bowen's opponent Albert Wittliff.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Besides not living in the district and adopting a white mans name, her unwavering love and devotion to Donald Trump will require a subscription to the Chap Stick of the month club.

bayareahouston.netAlex Mealer for Congress. Who is he?She is actually a she. Alex Mealer is running for Congress in the newly drawn Congressional District 9. In 2022, she ran for Harris County Judge as Alexandria Moyer Mealer, lost by a couple thousand votes, sued over the results, and then shortened her name on the ballot for the Republican primary four years later. She went on to handily defeat her primary opponent, State Representative "Little Baby" Briscoe Cain pictured below with his mom. Why the name change? Her pollsters likely calculated that running as "Alex" would give her an edge with conservative voters who might assume she was a male candidate.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

HD-129 is in Harris County. The district historically is a 15-point stronghold for Republicans, but this year there might be a perfect storm brewing: a poor Republican candidate, a very well-qualified Democratic candidate, and a potential wave of voter frustration with the party.

bayareahouston.netRecap and Video of the HD129 Forum Between Albert Wittliff and Scott BowenThanks to I45Now for providing the video. You can watch it below. Thanks to Eric for the notes of the event. Just an FYI. I believe Bowen is probably one of the worst candidates for State Representative the Bay Area has ever had. He has a horrible record on the CCISD Board, all documented at bayareahouston.net/ScottBowen. It is why he lost his re-election by 12 points. It was a very clear message, and notably, those 12 points came from the Harris County portion of CCISD. HD-129 is in Harris County. The district historically is a 15-point stronghold for Republicans, but this year there might be a perfect storm brewing: a poor Republican candidate, a very well-qualified Democratic candidate, and a potential wave of voter frustration with the party.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Raising Campaign Cash from Billionaires: Greg Abbott Yeow! In this latest reporting period 90% of Greg Abbott's total donations were from those contributing $1Million to $10,000. Abbott raised $20.3 Million with $18.3 Million coming from donors contributing $10,000 or more! This includes $5…

bayareahouston.netRaising Campaign Cash from Billionaires: Greg AbbottYeow! In this latest reporting period 90% of Greg Abbott's total donations were from those contributing $1Million to $10,000. Abbott raised $20.3 Million with $18.3 Million coming from donors contributing $10,000 or more! This includes $5 Million from 5 donors with $1 Million each. $14.4 Million came from those donating $100,000 or more. This includes $750,000 Million from his Muslim buddy Javaid Anwar. (I guess he will not attack a Muslim just as long as they are donors. Go figure.) Jeff Yass donated $1 Million. He doesn't live in Texas.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Only 2% of Scott Bowens fundraising came from individuals. Half of them live out of the district.

bayareahouston.netThe Individual Donors to Scott BowenIt is interesting to say the least. As previously posted Scott Bowen is the new PACMAN of the Bay Area ranking in $365,776 from various out of district PACs. That amount made up 98% of his total donations. Only $13,029 was from individuals ranging from $521.51 to $5.21. Half of these individual donations came from outside of the district. Some interesting donors include the Galveston County DA for $520.51 and Eric Dick for $500. Dick is an insurance attorney in Houston and a Trustee on the Harris County Department of Education.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Why flood our district that historically votes Republican by 15-plus points with this much out of district PAC money?

bayareahouston.netRaising Campaign Cash. Former CCISD Trustee Scott “PACMAN” BowenOut-of-district PACs are bankrolling Scott Bowen’s campaign for State Representative. Let’s cut right to the numbers. In the latest reporting period, Bowen pulled in a massive $378,815—a standard haul for a competitive State House race. But look closer: only $15,139 of that total came from individual donors. That includes a grand total of $5.21 from State Rep. Briscoe Cain. (Five bucks? Cheap bastard.) That means a staggering 98% of Bowen’s funding came straight from out-of-district PACs. Highlights include $150,500 from the newly minted Texas Conservative Majority PAC and $90,000 from Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR)—an organization dedicated to destroying consumer access to the very court system our tax dollars pay for.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Let me warn anyone who choses to challenge me on this decision no matter how high of rank or level of legal expertise you may think you have, if you challenge me I will beat you off. With BOTH hands!"

bayareahouston.netBreaking: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Now Demands Sperm Count TestingYou have to be f***ing kidding me. Literally. The Pentagon has rolled out formal guidance for mandatory sperm count testing for male service members 18 and older, a policy that faces questions from medical experts about the need and efficacy of such a program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July that a new program to screen troops for "sperm deficiency" was necessary to allow them to operate at their "absolute best." The new clinical guidance, released late Thursday, outlines how the program would work. According to Hegseth this program will begin immediately and there will be significant consequences for anyone who refuses to participate.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

But when the big moments came—on FLOCK cameras, ICE abuse, and now basic issues of racism— Orlando Sanchez completely struck out, he whiffed, he was caught looking, like a racist.

bayareahouston.netThe Mighty Orlando Sanchez Strikes OutWhen you are asked a softball question like "Will you vote for a racist?" the answer is clear. Anyone tracking Orlando’s career might have pegged him as a solid contender for Harris County Judge. He didn't come across as a typical MAGA partisan, a Mexican MAGAt; in fact, he urged voters to see him as an independent voice rather than just another Republican line-item. But when the big moments came—on FLOCK cameras, ICE abuse, and now basic issues of racism—he completely struck out, he whiffed, he was caught looking like a racist.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Even Governor Greg Abbott can't stand Scott Bowen

bayareahouston.netScott Bowen’s Failed Record on the School BoardEven Governor Greg Abbott can't stand Scott Bowen Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen is sending out mailers boasting about his support for public education—as if voters have collective amnesia. In reality, Bowen has aligned himself with Governor Abbott’s agenda, backing property tax shifts and voucher programs that strip critical funding from our public schools. His actual record on the School Board speaks for itself, and there is very little in it worth bragging about. Here is the reality: Bowen was caught on camera sponsoring a resolution on behalf of the Texas Republican Party in support of vouchers.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Governor Greg Abbott has remained silent—unwilling to condemn Flores because doing so would require addressing recent racial slurs from Bo French.

bayareahouston.netAnother Abbott Endorsed Candidate Caught on Racist CamWell he isn't a Mexican MAGAt (he is from the Honduras) but he is a Bo French. Voters in House District 144—including Pasadena, La Porte, and Deer Park—face a clear choice this election. Since 2013, Representative Mary Ann Perez has been an outstanding, dedicated public servant for this diverse community. Her opponent, David Flores, offers a vastly different record. Flores has been arrested five times, including a DWI captured on video (See below) where he was also recorded using abhorrent racial slurs. In any standard political environment, such behavior would immediately disqualify a candidate.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

On one hand, a twice-convicted felon. On the other, a prosecutor who served as a District Attorney, State Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President.

bayareahouston.netHeard at #TribFest2026: “If only Kamala was a White Male”It wasn’t said out loud by the panelists, but it was loud and clear. During a post-2024 election panel at TribFest in Austin, I listened as speakers claimed the Democratic Party failed to offer a candidate worth voting for. When Q&A opened, I asked them to break down that math: On one hand, a twice-convicted felon. On the other, a prosecutor who served as a District Attorney, State Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President. What, exactly, made the candidate with that record so unpalatable compared to a convicted felon?
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

The only person yelling and screaming about taxes on La Marque City council is the very person that.....wait for it....owes the county $28,000 in taxes!

bayareahouston.netMore Idle Threats Concerning Unpaid Taxes by La Marque CouncilmanBetter late than never The Galveston County Daily News ran a story titled "La Marque Councilman whose company owes $28K disputes tax treatment". It's a thorough article and worth the read if you have access. In short, a Republican Judge issued a default judgment against Lowry for unpaid back taxes for 2024 and 2025. Don't take my word for it. Go to this website and review the documents and the judgement. Enter 26-TX-0085 as the case number or you can read the judgment below. Eitherway, he owes over $28,000.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Fetterman looked completely out of place, especially compared to an audience that at least put in the effort to dress appropriately. But his sloppy attire was the least of his problems; his performance and substantive positions were entirely off base.

bayareahouston.net#TribFest2026 Senator John Fetterman the Douche of the SenateScreenshot Gdamn dude. Buy a pair of blue jeans. Senator John Fetterman’s interview with The Texas Tribune at TribFest was strange, awkward, and deeply frustrating. Showing up in his trademark black hoodie and gym shorts—despite the 90-degree heat—he looked completely out of place, especially compared to an audience that at least put in the effort to dress appropriately. But his sloppy attire was the least of his problems; his performance and substantive positions were entirely off base. Iran: He repeated tired Republican talking points, insisting "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," while ignoring that a working nuclear deal was tore up by the previous administration.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

“With the cost of everything out of control and ICE out of control, can you name one specific campaign issue that would convince a Mexican-American to vote for a Republican in November?”

bayareahouston.net# TribFest2026 Republicans to Latino voters in November: Give us another chanceWhat JD Vance said. I attended a session at the Texas tribune TribFest discussing the significance of the Latino vote in the upcoming November election. According to the panel, the two most pressing issues for the Latino community are the cost of everything is out of control and ICE is out of control. These issues should not be confined to the Latino community alone. Anyone with a bank account and anyone with a sense of empathy and humanity recognize the killing of people on our streets due to ICE is unacceptable in America.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

While everyday Americans suffer from skyrocketing affordability issues and soldiers are being killed in Iran, Trump is busy playing with "Lego sets" in the White House. Literally.

bayareahouston.net#TribFest2026 Texas Congressional Delegation “Trump is a bad President”It was a pleasure listening to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Christian Menefee, and Pete Sessions today. It started on a unified note, with everyone talking about bipartisan cooperation, passing bills, and working together for the benefit of Texas. By the end, I felt a glimmer of hope—provided Democrats like Fletcher and Menefee take control of the House. On the flip side, the re-redistricting of the state and the voting barriers put in place by Republicans and President Trump are deeply concerning. If those tactics allow Republicans like Sessions to retain control, it honestly terrifies me.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

They laid Texas's current struggles squarely at the feet of 30 years of uninterrupted Republican leadership, dismissing GOP promises—like a theoretical $5,000 check—as empty desperation. Voters are exhausted by the childish antics at the top of the party and feel deeply betrayed.

bayareahouston.net#TribFest2026. Texas Democratic Agenda: Voters are Furious!From left: Texas Tribune reporter Alejandro Serrano speaks with state Reps. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Carol Alvarado, and Gene Wu during a panel discussion at The Texas Tribune Festival 2026 on Friday, June 26, 2026. People in Texas are furious—and for good reason. From skyrocketing prices on gas, diesel, home insurance, and healthcare to general inflation and ICE abuses, the frustration is palpable. This discontent was front and center at The Texas Tribune’s "Texas Democratic Agenda" panel, featuring State Senator Carol Alvarad, State Representatives Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Gene Wu. Representing a diverse cross-section of Texas voters, the panel stood in stark contrast to the Republican session, which featured three white men in matching blue suits.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Where is MTG going now? Who cares? Maybe she should join with Lauren Boebert and start the "Reach Around" Party.

bayareahouston.net#TribFest2026. Marjorie Taylor Greene Normalizing Toxic PoliticiansI left this year’s TribFest deeply disappointed. I appreciate The Texas Tribune’s efforts in organizing the festival, but the keynote event with Marjorie Taylor Greene fell short in several critical ways. Greene has a track record as a toxic, inflammatory politician—one whose past behavior, like shouting from the Capitol floor like howling monkeys, is hard to look past. Yet the audience treated her with far more respect than she deserved, effectively normalizing her past actions. Worse, the moderator treated the session as a casual chat rather than pressing her with the tough, accountable questions asked of other speakers, like James Talarico.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

You have been in charge of Texas for 30 years yet you are campaigning on fixing the things you are responsible for?

bayareahouston.net#TribFest2026 Texas House Republican Session. ” Texas Voters are Stupid”What a deeply humiliating hour. At a session titled "The Texas Republican Agenda," three Texas House Republicans—Mitch Little (who represented Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial), Jeff Leach (who voted to impeach Paxton), and Daniel Alders—spent sixty minutes insulting the audience's intelligence. Fast-forward to the very first question from the floor: “In 1992, I joined a Republican Party that championed family values, compassionate conservatism, fiscal responsibility, and law and order. Today, the party is defined by the Epstein files, a $40 trillion national debt, severe human rights violations by ICE, and January 6.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Senator John Fetterman will close out the event probably because Mitch McConnell was unable to speak. Literally.

bayareahouston.netThe Texas Tribune #TribFest2026Once again, a great 3 day event hosted by The Texas Tribune. TribFest is a three day event held in Austin with speakers on various topics, candidates for office, and elected officials. This year their opening Keynote Speaker is former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene probably because Lauren Boebert was not available. Senator John Fetterman will close out the event probably because Senator Mitch McDonnell wasn't able to speak. Literally. But besides the two strange bookends, there are a number of sessions worth attending. Gina Hinojosa spoke earlier today to a packed room with many lined up outside hoping to get a seat.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

With all due respect I don't believe the Editorial Board did their research.

bayareahouston.netHouston Chronicle Failed to do Their Own Research on an EndorsementGenerally I accept the Chronicle's endorsements. May not agree but I accept. But the recent endorsement of former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen crossed the line. My comment to the Editor Evan Mintz was "It’s as if the Houston Chronicle never researched Bowen’s baggage.". Mintz says the endorsement "clearly" addressed his baggage. Let me also be clear on what baggage he left on the airport carousel. Mr. Mintz you didn't mention he sponsored a resolution on behalf of the Republican Party supporting vouchers as a sitting CCISD Trustee. (Its on video) He testified in office against public schools (Its on video) A formal grievance was filed against him for claiming his constituents was supportive of his view.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen and Albert Wittliff are vying for the position, and the contrast between them couldn't be starker—not just in party affiliation, but in their leadership experience and ability to represent our community.

bayareahouston.netA Clear Choice Between Scott Bowen and Albert Wittliff for State RepresentativeDon't take my word for it—attend the candidate forum hosted by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and see for yourself. For at least the last 30 years, House District 129 in the Bay Area has been represented by a Republican, including John Davis for 16 years and Dennis Paul for 12. With Paul now running for State Senate, the seat is open. Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen and Albert Wittliff are vying for the position, and the contrast between them couldn't be starker—not just in party affiliation, but in their leadership experience and ability to represent our community.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

La Marque Councilman Lowry is under a Domestic Violence Protective Order which prohibits him from buying or owning firearms. This DVPO is from the State of Washington. Speaking of....

bayareahouston.netLa Marque Councilman Issues Threats Against JudgesWill law enforcement take action? At the last La Marque City Council meeting, Councilman Joseph Lowry decided to challenge Texas law prohibiting firearms in council chambers. Armed with a self-appointed "Facebook law degree," Lowry spent the meeting arguing constitutional law with two actual attorneys, claiming to know more about the legal system than those who formally studied it. While Lowry insists he has the funds to launch a legal challenge against the state, public records show he has yet to settle $29,000 in back taxes owed for 2024 and 2025…
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

It's easy to throw a cheap tantrum over $9 a month. Nobody wants a tax hike, but nothing in this world is free, and everything costs way more than it did two years ago. Thank your buddy for the tariffs, the useless war in Iran, the rampant inflation, and total economic mismanagement.

bayareahouston.netQuit Whining Over a $9 Tax Increase: Grow a Pair.Nothing is free and it's time to pay for it. Let’s get real. People throwing a total fit over a $9-a-month tax increase haven't said a peep while their health, auto, and home insurance shot up by thousands of dollars a year. Gas prices doubled. Diesel hit over six bucks a gallon, driving up the price of literally everything you buy. Yet here you are, whining like babies over nine bucks a month so Harris County can actually afford the exact same gas, insurance, and supplies to keep basic services running.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Does the (R) behind a Republican name mean "Republican" or "Racist"? Or both?

bayareahouston.netBay Area’s Elected Officials Support of Racist Comments by Bo FrenchDoes the “R” Stand for Racist?Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commission, has once again made comments that have been widely condemned as racist. His latest remarks, targeting a photo of South Asian students celebrating at a University of Texas football game, prompted bipartisan criticism and led one political blogger to ask whether the “R” behind his name stands for “Racist.” The question practically writes itself. Some Texas Republicans have publicly condemned French’s remarks. Others have offered little or no meaningful response. Governor Greg Abbott’s response, in particular, has drawn criticism for not directly addressing the controversy.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Additionally, voters will weigh in on a non-binding resolution regarding the council-approved Flock safety cameras. Voters are expected to flock to the polls.

bayareahouston.netLeague City. All Male Council Being Challenged. Voters to Flock to the Polls.Voters should never choose a candidate based solely on demographics like gender or race. While the League City Council has been predominantly male and white for years, demographic composition alone shouldn't concern residents as long as leaders govern effectively—maintaining fiscal responsibility, advancing the city, and managing broader economic pressures like rising fuel, healthcare, and insurance costs. Compared to neighboring Bay Area cities facing similar strains, League City has stabilized in their self induced controversies, particularly as nearby La Marque has drawn more negative media scrutiny. This November, the mayor's seat and five of seven council positions are up for election.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

It took the District Attorney's office 1.5 years to dismiss a simple misdemeanor case.

bayareahouston.netYet Another Criminal Case Concerning La Marque Councilman DismissedIt took the District Attorney's office 1.5 years to dismiss a simple misdemeanor case. La Marque City Councilman Joseph Lowry's, AKA Chicken Little, head must be exploding after yet another case concerning him has been dismissed or no billed by the Galveston District Attorney's Office. The criminal case against CJ Beard, Case #MD-0426868, for a misdemeanor has been dismissed. This is following the no bill of two Texas City employees a few months ago. All three cases were brought about based upon police reports filed by Lowry. From a previous post "
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

The Christian Brothers, Wilks and Dunn, are still endorsing Bo French even after his latest racist comments. Praise the lord.

bayareahouston.netGuess Who is Funding Bo French (Racist)?The Christian brothers. Follow the money through the Texas Ethics Commission records, and the veneer around West Texas mega-donors Timothy Dunn and Farris Wilks completely disintegrates. While bankrolling Bo French’s racially charged campaign, these self-appointed guardians of Christian virtue are funding the very hatred their faith explicitly condemns. Dunn, an active preacher at Midland Bible Church, ought to understand basic theology: racism has no place in public service, let alone in the teachings of Christ. The financial filings reveal a massive concentration of high-dollar influence behind French’s campaign: Direct Campaign Cash:
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

"There is no place for racism in the Republican Party." LOL

bayareahouston.netWhat the (R) Behind a Republican’s Name Stands For(R) Racist. I've said it before in "What does the (R) stand for behind a political candidates name?" If you are running as a republican then you need to own the title. When you stand silent while racism runs rampant in your own party then you need to embrace the title. When you stand silent and allow racists to take over your party then you need to wear it and wear it with pride. Unfortunately many are doing just that. Case in point, Bo French. Texas politics delivered another reminder of an ongoing rift within the Republican Party when Bo French, a candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted a racist comment online.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

The Bay Area has been represented by Republicans for over three decades, yet residents continue to face pressing challenges, including soaring property insurance rates, high electricity costs, and an underfunded public education system.

bayareahouston.netRSVP to the Candidate Forum for Bay Area’s State Representative (It will be wild)This ought to be real interesting! RSVP to Michele Costello at Costello@bayareahouston.com. The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is hosting a candidate forum for the upcoming State Representative race featuring former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen and candidate Albert Wittliff. This election presents a critical opportunity for the district. The Bay Area has been represented by Republicans for over three decades, yet residents continue to face pressing challenges, including soaring property insurance rates, high electricity costs, and an underfunded public education system. Addressing these persistent issues requires capable, independent leadership.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Former MAGAt Marjorie Taylor Greene will be speaking about the future of her movement—her bowel movement, since she is still full of shit.

bayareahouston.netWhat is TribFest and Why is Marjorie Taylor Greene Headlining it?Marjorie Taylor Greene will join Senator John Fetterman. According to the Texas Tribune website: The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit digital-first media organization based in Austin, Texas, that covers Texas politics, government, and public policy. It offers comprehensive, free-to-use reporting on issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to increase civic engagement. f you aren’t keeping up with the Texas Tribune, you really should be. It’s a great source of political information, and unlike Medicare for All, it’s actually free! You can sign up over at TexasTribune.org. Every year, the Tribune hosts an event in Austin called TribFest.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

There is nothing worse than hiding behind god and religion while violating the very teachings of Christianity.

bayareahouston.netThe Republican CHINO Running for Office: Richard VegaJESUS CHRIST! Literally! A candidate’s political graphic can sometimes reveal far more than intended. Richard Vega, a candidate for Harris County Commissioner, has released a piece of campaign media so overwhelming it borders on self-parody. Vega, who fits the definition of a "Christian in Name Only" (CHINO), has aligned himself closely with state Senator Mayes Middleton. Middleton, a deep-pocketed donor known for bankrolling aligned candidates, has funded roughly half of Vega’s entire campaign war chest. Middleton is also a CHINO using racial slurs towards his colleagues. In lockstep with Middleton's agenda, Vega has engaged in rhetoric targeting the local Muslim community, including efforts…
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

There's a sugar daddy coming to rescue Harris County Republican candidates.

bayareahouston.netGuess Who’s Funding Harris County Republican Candidates?Who's your daddy? Republican candidates running for Harris County offices are facing severe fundraising deficits. According to the latest campaign finance reports, Orlando Sanchez leads the field for County Judge with just $181,126—a modest sum for a high-profile race that typically requires millions. Richard Vega a Christian Nationalist, running for County Commissioner, reported $123,026, though the bulk of his funds originated from Senator Money Mayes Middleton. Finances across the rest of the ticket remain virtually non-existent: Marc Cowart (County Treasurer): $150 Mike Wolfe (County Clerk): $0 Sartaj Bal: $0 Denise Dick:
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

At the federal level, these candidates were recruited to run in predominantly Hispanic districts in an effort to appeal to voters through platforms focused on fiscal responsibility (LOL), support for ICE (OMFG!), and family values (AYFKM Are You Fucking Kidding Me?).

bayareahouston.netMexican MAGAts Running for Federal OfficeIf they will turn on their own, they will turn on you. Ten of the 42 Republican candidates running for federal office in Texas are Mexican MAGAts, aligning with the MAGA wing of the party. They join several other candidates pursuing statewide and Harris County positions. You can view them at Mexican MAGAts Running for State Office and Mexican MAGAts Running for Harris County Office. As I have said before: Historically, many Mexican-American voters lean toward moderate political candidates rather than those on the political extremes. Grounded in traditional values, strong faith traditions, and close ties to the Catholic Church, many prioritize family, anti-abortion positions, and legal immigration processes.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Did you know? 75% of Republicans voted to impeach Ken Paxton Surprised? The Texas House has 150 members, 88 Republicans, and 62 Democrats. In May of 2023 after an investigation by the House Committee on General Investigating Attorney General Ken Paxton was brought up on impeachment charges. That…

bayareahouston.netDid you know? 75% of Republicans voted to impeach Ken PaxtonSurprised? The Texas House has 150 members, 88 Republicans, and 62 Democrats. In May of 2023 after an investigation by the House Committee on General Investigating Attorney General Ken Paxton was brought up on impeachment charges. That complete report can be viewed here. You can read a summary at The allegations against Ken Paxton in a nutshell which details retaliation against whistleblowers, financial fraud, abuse of power, and more. Shortly afterward the House voted to impeach Paxton. Of the 150 members of the House 121 voted to impeach including 61 Democrats and 60 Republicans, 75% of the entire Republican delegation.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

"I deeply regret using the term "Short bus". I should have said "retarded" instead.

bayareahouston.netBrazoria County Judge Issues Apology for “Short Bus” Comment.He knew exactly what he was doing. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta must think the residents are stupid. (He might be right) Sebesta didn't just blurt out the phrase "Short Bus" when describing the residents who did not support his tax abatement for a large corporation. He did it multiple times as the Houston Chronicle stated: "It's kind of like the kid on the short bus that likes to eat boogers talks everybody else into eating boogers," "And so they all copy the booger-eating champion on the short bus and send all these emails, but they were all just completely way out of left field so they actually carry no weight with me." …
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

Texas Governor Greg Abbott created these crises, and now he's asking for another term to solve them. He must think voters are stupid.

bayareahouston.netAfter 12 Years in Office Greg Abbott to the Rescue!12 years too late. Greg Abbott and his crew are acting like heroes riding into Texas to save us from high insurance rates, failing schools, and rising healthcare costs. The irony? They’ve been driving the herd for 30 years. Republicans hold every statewide office. They control the Texas Supreme Court. They control both the House and Senate. Every mess in this state has their signature on it. Now Abbott wants four more years with a promise to "finally fix things." Take his new home insurance plan: it’s based on a "Fortify" program Alabama figured out 15 years ago.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

NASA’s Congressman Makes An Appearance…at a Price If you want to see your Congressman it will cost you. He will be at a luncheon today at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership where he might be peppered with questions about NASA’s future and uncertain funding. It’s a members only event. All…

bayareahouston.netNASA’s Congressman Makes An Appearance…at a PriceIf you want to see your Congressman it will cost you. He will be at a luncheon today at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership where he might be peppered with questions about NASA’s future and uncertain funding. It’s a members only event. All you pee ons can sit outside and shut up.
Johncoby
@johncoby.bsky.social

A group of self-identified "Mexican MAGAt" candidates is running for office in Harris County under an increasingly extreme Republican platform. By aligning with a party whose policies actively harm immigrants, and quiet endorsement of severe ICE enforcement practices.

bayareahouston.netMexican MAGAts Running for Harris County OfficeIt's sad that any human being would be supporting a party that is based on Khaos, Korruption, and Kruelty, the KKK of the Republican Party, much less an individual who knows their family and friends could be the next target of ICE.