Dr Candice Matthews Confronts Bexar County Democratic Party

BEXAR COUNTY, TX – Dr. Candice Matthews traveled from Harris County to Bexar County and appeared at the Bexar County Democratic Party office to raise concerns about alleged election code violations related to the Texas House District 125 race.

Dr. Matthews, a civil rights activist and former state chair of the Texas Democratic Black Caucus, said community members contacted her regarding several alleged violations, including claims of illegal voter influence tied to the distribution of political materials to voters.

According to Dr. Matthews, sample ballots were placed on constituents’ doors. She stated that one version included the name and phone number of election judge and precinct chair Linda Alaniz, while another version listed the name and phone number of Jesse Garcia. Dr. Matthews questioned why voters were directed to contact those individuals and noted that the ballots did not include a political advertising disclaimer.

Under the Texas Election Code, political advertising must include a disclaimer identifying the source of the communication.

During the exchange at the office, Alaniz stated that she did not need a disclaimer and said precinct chairs are permitted to make recommendations to voters.

Dr. Matthews said she continued monitoring the situation and alleged that Jesse Garcia was providing misinformation to voters, which she said could constitute illegal voter influence under the Texas Election Code.

Dr. Matthews also confronted Alaniz about what she described as slanderous statements allegedly made by Garcia about Michelle Barrientes Vela, a candidate for Texas House District 125. During the interaction, Dr. Matthews played a portion of an audio recording that she said captured Garcia making statements about Barrientes Vela.

Matthews said her team also reviewed video and photographs that she claims show voters being improperly influenced. According to her, the footage shows individuals filling out sample ballots and interacting with voters within the 100-foot boundary of a polling location.

Barrientes Vela said a complaint regarding the alleged activity was submitted to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, which can forward election-related complaints to the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit. She also stated that an ethics complaint was filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

Barrientes Vela said she also notified the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office about the alleged violations and referenced Texas Election Code Section 232, which addresses the investigation of election law violations. According to Barrientes Vela, the office told her such cases are typically handled at the state level and that officials would monitor the situation and determine whether the county would participate if the state initiates an investigation.

During the exchange, Dr. Matthews also addressed Michelle Solis, chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party, saying the situation should not occur under party leadership.

Dr. Matthews said it is important for Democrats to ensure voters are protected and that elections remain fair.

“We as Democrats already face challenges with voter participation, so we have to protect our voters and ensure fair elections across the board,” Matthews said. “You don’t have to like a candidate, but don’t lie about them.”

Matthews added that voters should be given the opportunity to choose the candidate they support.