FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2025
Arlington, VA – A critical bill to prohibit funds from foreign nationals from being directed to state ballot issue campaigns is currently being considered by the Texas Legislature. Passed by the Senate with bipartisan support, SB 2035 awaits further consideration in the House.
Under current state and federal law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to political candidates. However, until recently state ballot issues have not been addressed.
Since 2014, a liberal special interest organization known as The Sixteen Thirty Fund has exploited this loophole allowing them to funnel at least $130 million into states around the country—including in Texas—to buy our elections. Sixteen Thirty Fund credits Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss as a top donor.
National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued the following statement in support of SB 2035:
“We praise the Senate and the bill’s champions, especially senators Bryan Hughes, Paul Bettencourt and Phil King, for protecting the integrity of Texas’ elections and confronting this corruption once and for all. Make no mistake, foreign billionaires should never be given the ability to buy our elections and undermine voters so they can affect changes to Texas’ constitution. We’re grateful for the efforts of our coalition partners and urge the House to advance SB 2035 without delay.”
Heritage Action Texas State Director Rebekah Warwick:
“Texas is on the brink joining the movement of states nationwide focused on addressing the threat of foreign influence in state elections. While foreign billionaires are threatening the electoral integrity of state elections, Texas has the opportunity to protect their state ballot campaigns. Decisions about Texas’ Constitution and laws should be based on the voices of its citizens.”
Executive Director of Americans for Public Trust Caitlin Sutherland:
“It is imperative Texas joins the ever-growing list of states that have passed bans protecting ballot issue campaigns from foreign influence. It is common sense that foreign nationals should not be able to interfere in Texas politics, and SB 2035 would do just that. We urge the Texas House to swiftly pass this legislation.”
Executive Director of Honest Elections Project Action Jason Snead:
“Texas is one step away from permanently blocking foreign nationals from influencing state ballot measures. Foreign dark money is flooding state and local ballot measure campaigns across America. Until the House passes SB 2035, Texas remains vulnerable. Foreign nationals are rightly barred from contributing to candidates running for office. It is time for Texas to make that true for ballot measures, as well. I applaud senators Bryan Hughes, Paul Bettencourt, and Phil King for introducing this critical measure and urge the Texas House to send SB 2035 to Governor Abbot’s desk.”
Seven states, including Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wyoming, have acted to ban foreign funding from state ballot measures since 2024. Additional legislation currently awaits signature by the governor in Missouri.
If enacted, SB 2035 would achieve the following:
- Prohibits direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals.
- Bans the spending, including independent expenditures, of funds tied to foreign nationals.
- Ensures independent investigatory and enforcement power by the Texas Attorney General.
- Imposes a Class B misdemeanor offense and civil liability for a person who violates the bill’s requirements.
The Election Transparency Initiative, a partnership between the American Principles Project (APP) and Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America, was organized to combat federal H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 legislation and advocate for state-based election reforms that voters can trust.
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