Texas Democratic Party Chairman Removed Amid Controversy
In a decisive move, Texas Democratic Party officials have voted to remove Fort Bend County party chair Fred Taylor amid serious allegations of financial misconduct. Local precinct chairs brought to light claims that Taylor made 42 unauthorized purchases totaling $97,866.15, contravening the organization’s bylaws.
The controversy began when a resolution calling for Taylor’s removal was passed by local precinct chairs in February. They cited his refusal to collaborate with party treasurer April Jones—who subsequently resigned—and his appointment of a new treasurer without following proper protocols.
Taylor, who secured his position last year in a narrow runoff, has vehemently denied the allegations. He contends that the disputed expenditures are related to a gala funded by sponsors and pre-approved automatic withdrawals. In a statement shared with Houston Public Media, Taylor suggested that his removal was an effort to inhibit his investigation into alleged financial mismanagement and corruption by previous party leadership.
As tensions rise within the local Democratic Party, Fort Bend County Democratic Party Secretary Jonathan Marcantel confirmed that the State Democratic Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly for Taylor’s ouster, with 73 votes in favor and only 12 against.
Marcantel indicated that the County Executive Committee would soon elect an Interim County Chair to address the leadership void. With approximately half of the party’s precinct chairs attending the February meeting, 28 voted for the resolution while only 2 opposed it.
The unfolding situation has not only ignited partisan divides but also raised concerns about a potentially larger investigation into corruption within the party, as officials grapple with the implications of the allegations.
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