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Cecilia Castellano, a Democratic candidate for the Texas House, recently addressed the state investigation into a vote harvesting scheme as “nonsense.” The investigation led authorities to confiscate her phone and search the homes of a legislative aide and elderly Latino election volunteers.
During a news conference, Castellano, who is running to succeed state Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, expressed her thoughts on the situation. Various South Texans who were affected by the search warrants also spoke out.
Latino civil rights leaders and state lawmakers have joined forces to ask the federal government and Texas Senate to thoroughly investigate the raids. The League of United Latin American Citizens leaders have criticized the raids conducted by Attorney General Ken Paxton‘s office as an attempt to intimidate Latino voters.
Despite facing challenges and allegations, Castellano remains resolute and focused on her campaign, urging supporters not to be distracted by the ongoing investigation.
The probe, led by Paxton’s office, revolves around claims of illegal votes harvesting in multiple local races, including Castellano’s. The affidavit alleged that a scheme to collect votes for Castellano was discussed during the 2024 primary.
Republicans are eyeing the South Texas seat in hopes of passing a school voucher bill in the upcoming legislative session. The district, which Governor Greg Abbott won by 6 points in 2022, is seen as a key battleground.
Castellano and her aide have both denounced the investigation as politically motivated. Calls for a review of the state investigation have been made by LULAC officials and state lawmakers, indicating a growing concern over the handling of the case.
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