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November 14, 2025      3:36 PM

People on the Move

Lobby hires, agency news, and more

As we approach the end of the year, the people who are sorta the most on-the-move would be the ones putting their names on the ballot during the filing period, which could get upended if the federal court in El Paso strikes down all or parts of the Congressional map passed over the summer at the behest of President Donald Trump.

We’re about a week into candidate filing and no word from the court as of now. Some court observers said it sounded like the judges didn’t really care much about how the timing of their possible ruling could cause problems for all candidates up and down the ballot if filing and therefore the primary is delayed.

Meantime, it’s also time for me to start looking at the calendar and figuring out which weeks we absolutely won’t publish a People on the Move article because of the holidays. For now, I’ll just say that if you have career news you’d like to ensure gets published before year’s end, send it over ASAP to ksbraddock@gmail.com and use POTM in the subject line. I’ll have more on the holiday schedule in the weeks to come.

Here’s the latest edition.

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By Scott Braddock

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November 13, 2025      2:23 PM

Former Chairman Paddie to appeal in court after Texas Ethics Commission issues huge fine for alleged violation of revolving door lobbying law

The controversy over Paddie’s attempt at lobbying represents the remnants of his blood feud with Lt. Gov. Patrick, who in 2023 called out Paddie’s clients by name and slammed the East Texas lawmaker, saying he "has no credibility” after the two clashed about repricing electricity markets

Former Texas House State Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Paddie plans to appeal what appears to be a record fine issued by the state Ethics Commission for allegedly registering to lobby too soon after making political contributions to lawmakers. The fine was first announced earlier this year but the final order from the commission was issued this week.

Paddie's lawyer Ross Fischer has said he and his client disagree with the commission and “will pursue our appellate remedies in district court.” That state district court, per state law, can be in the Texas House district Paddie used to represent in East Texas.

"Candidly, TEC got it wrong,” Fischer said in a statement provided to Quorum Report on Thursday. “Mr. Paddie intends to challenge the outcome and the penalty in Harrison County District Court. After TEC’s 3-year investigation, he is eager to have all the facts finally heard in a real court of law.”

The final order from the commission smacks Paddie with a fine of $105,000.

Is that a record?

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By Scott Braddock

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November 13, 2025      2:22 PM

ICYMI Associated Republicans of Texas rolls out first endorsements of the cycle

The endorsements are here.

By Scott Braddock

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November 12, 2025      12:02 PM

In launching his campaign for oil and gas regulator former Tarrant County GOP Chair French emphasizes anti Islamic message

Former Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French on Wednesday kicked off his campaign for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission by promising to "Reverse the Regulatory Stranglehold" and to "Stop the Islamic Invasion of Texas."

What the latter has to do with oil and gas regulation, which the Railroad Commission is tasked with, had some Republicans and others scratching their heads. But it should come as no surprise to anyone who's followed the career of the perennial Texas House candidate – he lost GOP primaries twice to House Administration Chairman Charlie Geren – and now former leader of the GOP in the Fort Worth area.

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By Scott Braddock

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November 11, 2025      3:30 PM

Encouraging numbers emerge for Huffines in poll of GOP primary voters in the district formerly represented by Acting Comptroller Hancock

In the race for Texas Comptroller, former Sen. Don Huffines got some very encouraging news in the form of a poll this week conducted in the Texas Senate district that used to be represented by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock.

The poll, conducted in Senate District 9 by national Republican pollster Chris Wilson shows that in the field of three GOP candidates, primary voters prefer Huffines above Hancock and Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick – and not by a small margin.

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By Scott Braddock

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November 11, 2025      3:08 PM

Kronberg says shutdown loss for Democrats potentially sets them up to campaign on signature issue

Quorum Report Publisher Harvey Kronberg and Texas Capital Tonight host James Barragan talk about the shutdown, the US Senate GOP primary, and more

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November 11, 2025      7:13 AM

Congressman Arrington announces he will not seek reelection

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November 10, 2025      4:25 PM

New report delves into potential economic losses to Texas if primary elections are closed

“This report suggests that closing primaries wouldn't just cost nearly 3 million Texans their right to vote — it would also cost the state billions of dollars in total economic output…and all for what, exactly?"

A new report suggests losses of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs should the Republican Party of Texas succeed in its lawsuit against the state’s open political primaries.

The report, conducted by Waco-based The Perryman Group for the non-partisan elections advocacy organization Unite America, estimates losses of up to $26 billion and 219,000 jobs by 2050.

You might ask how that's possible. Well, the findings are based on data showing a strong correlation between voter participation and a stronger economy and workforce.

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By James Russell

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November 10, 2025      4:15 PM

TMF eyes open race for Bexar County DA

"In the coming days, I will seek counsel from our legal community, examine the agency operations of the District Attorney’s office, and consult with county leaders on how best to implement any necessary financial and structural changes to strengthen this office," said Rep. Martinez Fischer in a written statement

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November 8, 2025      6:52 PM

Updated: Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French set to announce for Railroad Commissioner as soon as Monday, per sources in Fort Worth

French, who's been so offensive in office that it prompted Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to demand his resignation previously, told his executive committee today he will make an announcement soon that will trigger his resignation as chair

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November 7, 2025      8:31 PM

Sounds like former Congressman Chris Bell will jump into the Democratic primary for governor next week

He's set to make an announcement in Austin on Monday

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November 7, 2025      1:24 PM

Sources in Fort Worth say Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French mulling campaign for Railroad Commissioner

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November 7, 2025      11:27 AM

Chairman Smithee will not seek reelection

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