The local Teamsters Democratic Republican Independent Voter Education (D.R.I.V.E.) fund is boosting some candidates ahead of the start of early voting next month.
In reports filed in January and February, the Teamsters Fund disclosed supporting multiple candidates for various local offices in the March 6th Republican primary. The organization gave $4,000 to justice of the peace candidate Robert Taylor in January and before that, gave $5,000 to Lynda Smith, candidate for 320th District Judge; $5,000 to Matt Hand, candidate for Potter County Court at Law #2; $5,000 to Matt Martindale, candidate for Randall County Court at Law; and $5,000 to Walt Weaver, candidate for Potter County Court at Law #1.
However, in a report filed this month, the Teamsters Local 577 D.R.I.V.E. Fund reported that Smith returned her contribution. Steven Michael Denny, a candidate for 320th District Judge, told the Amarillo Pioneer that he ended up receiving a donation from the Teamsters after Smith returned her check.
Texas law prohibits labor organizations like the Teamsters from being directly involved in Texas elections. However, labor organizations are allowed to form political action groups, such as the D.R.I.V.E. Fund to support candidates and initiatives.
This election cycle is not the first time that the Teamsters have been involved in an Amarillo election. In 2017, the group backed Ginger Nelson for mayor and Elisha Demerson for city council. The group also supported Demerson in 2015, along with Mayor Paul Harpole and Amarillo ISD trustee candidate John Betancourt.
At the end of the most recent reporting period, the Teamsters reported still having $40,640.80 in contributions on hand.
Voters will decide each of these races in the March 6th Republican primary.
Photo by Teamsters