Three Billionaires Exerting Control over Republican Politics in Texas
Recently, CNN aired a special report titled “Deep in the Pockets of Texas,” shedding light on the immense influence that three extremely wealthy men wield over the Republican Party in the state. Tim Dunn, along with the Wilks Brothers, Dan and Farris, are the key figures behind this consolidation of power.
Unlimited Campaign Contributions in Texas
One of the main factors contributing to the overwhelming control of these billionaires is the state’s allowance of unlimited campaign contributions. By exploiting this system, Dunn and the Wilks Brothers have been able to leverage their wealth to shape the political landscape in Texas.
Pushing Christian Nationalism
The CNN report reveals that a significant portion of the billionaires’ campaign funds is directed towards promoting Christian nationalism in the state. This ideological agenda has far-reaching implications for policies and decision-making.
Politicians Funded by the Three Men
According to CNN’s investigation, several politicians in Texas owe a substantial portion of their campaign funds to the financial support of Dunn, Dan Wilks, and Farris Wilks. One prominent example is Shelley Luther, the Dallas salon owner who gained attention for defying COVID-19 restrictions and became a right-wing favorite. Luther received a staggering 96.44 percent of her campaign funds from the three billionaires and the political action committees (PACs) they control when she ran for Texas Senate District 30.
Other politicians who have benefited from the financial backing of the three billionaires include former State Rep. Mike Lang, State Rep. Jeff Cason, and State Rep. Bryan Slaton. These individuals received 64.94 percent, 62.02 percent, and 62.44 percent of their campaign funds respectively from Dunn, Dan Wilks, and Farris Wilks.
Indirect Influence through Organizations and Think Tanks
Direct campaign donations are not the only means by which Dunn and the Wilks Brothers exert their control over Texas politics. They have also established and funded influential organizations and think tanks that align with their right-wing views.
Tim Dunn, in particular, founded and finances the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a prominent right-wing think tank. This organization plays a crucial role in promoting far-right policies and shaping conservative discourse in the state. Additionally, Dunn and Farris Wilks significantly contribute to Right to Life Texas, an organization that advocates for anti-abortion policies.
Targeting Opponents and Promoting a Dominant Worldview
The CNN report highlights instances where the three billionaires have used their financial leverage to target individuals who oppose their agenda. For example, Colleyville Heritage High School principal James Whitfield faced backlash from school board member Stetson Clark, who received campaign funding from the True Texas Project, an organization funded by Dunn. Clark vehemently objected to Whitfield’s call for anti-racism in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, dismissing it as “disruptive and destructive.”
In contrast to those who succumb to their influence, State Sen. Ken Seliger, a Republican who typically aligns with far-right policies, has chosen to challenge the billionaires’ control. Seliger has opposed their attempts to attack public schools and divert funding towards faith-based private institutions. As a result, he has become a target for replacement through their financial resources.
Christian Nationalism and Dominion
The motivations behind these billionaires’ extensive involvement in politics stem from their commitment to Christian nationalism and their vision of achieving dominance. Sermons delivered by both Dunn and Farris Wilks emphasize the dangers they perceive from LGBT individuals and their belief in a future where Christians will face persecution. Their total contributions to various Christian nationalism causes amount to a staggering $25 million.
Dorothy Burton, a former ally of the billionaires, reflects on their worldview, stating, “They really believe they’ve been given a mandate by God to take dominion.”
Influence and Power Dynamics in Texas Politics
The revelation of the immense influence exerted by Tim Dunn and the Wilks Brothers over the Republican Party in Texas raises concerns about the consolidation of power and the impact on democratic processes. The ability to channel substantial financial resources towards advancing specific ideological agendas poses significant challenges to maintaining a fair and equitable political landscape.
The CNN special report serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and campaign finance reform to counteract the disproportionate influence of wealthy individuals and prevent the erosion of democratic principles. It also highlights the importance of diversifying political funding sources to ensure broader representation and protect against the undue control of a select few.