The Lone Star Freedom Project: Rick Perry’s Dark Money Machine Boosting John Cornyn
Washington DC – In the heat of Texas politics, as the 2026 Senate primary looms, voters across the state have been bombarded with a barrage of television and digital ads portraying U.S. Senator John Cornyn as a steadfast ally of President Donald Trump. These spots, flooding airwaves in key markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, aren’t the work of Cornyn’s official campaign. Instead, they originate from a shadowy newcomer: the Lone Star Freedom Project, a freshly minted 501(c)(4) nonprofit chaired by former Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Launched just weeks ago, this group has already funneled and estimated $260,000 into Dallas-Fort Worth media buys and $40,000 in Houston, all in a bid to shore up Cornyn’s image amid a brewing challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. But beneath the glossy pro-Cornyn messaging lies a web of undisclosed funding and deep-rooted political alliances, raising questions about who—or what—is truly pulling the strings.
A Star-Studded Board, But Opaque Origins
The Lone Star Freedom Project burst onto the scene in early October 2025, positioning itself as a vehicle for “social welfare” in the Lone Star State. Its website, which went live around October 1, proudly lists Perry as chair, flanked by a roster of Texas heavyweights. Perry, the 47th Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015 and briefly U.S. Secretary of Energy under Trump, brings political clout. His assentation from state House representative to agriculture commissioner, and ultimately to the governorship after succeeding George W. Bush.
Joining Perry are Susan Combs, a former Texas Comptroller and the state’s first female Agriculture Commissioner, who later served as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Combs, now a fellow at the University of Texas Center for Identity and treasurer of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation, oversees a sprawling West Texas family ranch.
Claire Brickman, a University of Texas and Southern Methodist Law alum, rounds out the legal muscle with stints at the Department of Justice and as a state prosecutor. And then there’s Marcus Luttrell, the Houston-born Navy SEAL hero of Lone Survivor fame, a recipient of the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his harrowing survival in Afghanistan’s Operation Red Wings.
On paper, it’s an all-star team of conservative credentials. Incorporated as a Delaware, not Texas, domestic corporation on June 25, 2025—just months before its ad blitz—the group claims 501(c)(4) status, allowing it to operate as a tax-exempt social welfare organization. Yet, for all its Texas pride, the project’s rapid formation and immediate dive into partisan advertising smack of strategic timing, especially as Perry has publicly lumped his endorsement of Cornyn with support for other GOP establishment figures like former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan.
The Dark Money Veil: Unlimited Funds, Zero Transparency
What truly sets the Lone Star Freedom Project apart—and fuels its suspicious aura—is its 501(c)(4) designation. Under IRS rules, these “social welfare” nonprofits can engage in political activities, including unlimited independent expenditures on ads, as long as such efforts aren’t their “primary” purpose. The catch? They aren’t required to disclose donors, earning them the moniker “dark money” groups. Unlike super PACs or 527 organizations, 501(c)(4)s like this one can hoover up unlimited cash from individuals, corporations, unions, or even foreign nationals (if carefully crafted)—without ever revealing the sources.
This loophole is particularly alarming for foreign influence. Current federal law imposes no outright ban on contributions from non-U.S. citizens, green card holders, or overseas entities to 501(c)(4)s, provided the funds aren’t explicitly directed toward banned election activities. But there’s the rub. The organization’s stated purpose is “social walfare”, not “electioneering”.
Furthermore, there’s no cap on donation amounts, and since donors remain anonymous, a Russian oligarch, a Chinese state-linked firm, or a Saudi sheikh could funnel millions through domestic proxies, indirectly shaping U.S. elections. The group could then pass those funds to super PACs or launch its own ad salvos, all while cloaked in secrecy.
For a group as nascent as Lone Star Freedom Project —too new for IRS filings or an OpenSecrets profile—its absence from public databases isn’t surprising. Self-declared 501(c)(4)s don’t need pre-approval, and their first Form 990 returns won’t surface until mid-2026 at earliest. But that delay only amplifies the opacity: Who bankrolled that $300,000 ad buy? Domestic oil barons hedging against Paxton’s populist fire? Foreign interests eyeing Texas energy policy through Cornyn’s Senate perch? Or shadowy super PACs laundering cash? Without disclosure, it’s anyone’s guess, all we know for sure is that Rick Perry has his fingers all over it.
Perry and Cornyn: A Brotherhood Forged in Texas Power
The Lone Star Freedom Project isn’t operating in a vacuum—it’s the latest chapter in a decades-long bromance between Perry and Cornyn, two architects of the Texas Republican machine. Their paths first crossed in the late 1990s, when Cornyn served as Texas Attorney General (1999–2002), overlapping with Perry’s early days as governor starting in December 2000. The bond solidified in November 2002, when Perry appointed the newly elected Cornyn to a brief interim U.S. Senate term vacated by Phil Gramm, giving Cornyn a head start in Washington and cementing their mutual loyalty.
This alliance extends through a constellation of shared operatives, many of whom have shuttled between their orbits:
| Person | Role with Rick Perry | Role with John Cornyn | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip Roy | Senior Advisor & Director of State-Federal Relations (2011); Ghostwriter for Fed Up! (2010) | Campaign aide (2002); Staff Director & Senior Counsel, Senate Judiciary Committee (2003–2009) | Advised Cornyn on immigration; later Texas AG under Paxton. |
| Brooke Rollins | Policy Director & Deputy General Counsel (early 2000s); TPPF President/CEO | Introduced & confirmed by Cornyn as Ag Secretary (2025) | Texas Public Policy Foundation ties; Cornyn praised her leadership. |
| Ted Delisi | Campaign consultant (2002, 2006 gubernatorial) | Press Secretary/Communications Director (1999–2002); 2002 Senate consultant | Co-founder of Delisi Communications, GOP strategy firm. |
| Deirdre Delisi | Chief of Staff (2004–2007); 2012 presidential advisor | Indirect via husband Ted | Texas Transportation Commission Chair (2008–2011). |
| Tony Fabrizio | Chief Pollster & Senior Strategist (2012 presidential) | Worked for NRSC campaigns under Cornyn’s chairmanship (2009–2012) | Frequent pollster for Cornyn-aligned establishment candidates. |
| Joe Allbaugh | Senior Campaign Advisor (2012 presidential) | Bush-era Texas GOP network ties | Former FEMA Director; propelled both men’s rises. |
| Ray Sullivan | Communications Director (2012 presidential); Chief of Staff (2009–2011) | Statewide GOP message coordination | Handled Perry re-elections. |
| Rob Johnson | Campaign Manager (2010 gubernatorial); Senior Strategist (2012 presidential) | Texas GOP fundraising networks | Active in both circles. |
These overlaps aren’t coincidental; they trace back to shared bastions like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a Perry-favored think tank pushing government agendas that Cornyn has long championed. Perry’s endorsement of Cornyn in the 2026 primary—framed as a bulwark against Paxton’s insurgent bid—feels like a full-circle moment for two men who have traded appointments, advice, and influence for over two decades.
A Shadow Over Texas Conservatism?
As the Lone Star Freedom Project ramps up its pro-Cornyn offensive, its dark money structure invites scrutiny in an era of heightened concerns over election integrity. For Texas voters, the real question isn’t just whether Cornyn is a “Trump ally,” but whose money is scripting the narrative. In a primary pitting establishment grit against populist fervor, this group’s unchecked flow of hidden funds could tip the scales—and deepen America’s divide over who gets to buy influence in the shadows. As filings trickle in next year, the truth may finally emerge. Until then, the Lone Star’s freedom comes with a hefty veil of secrecy.
Fate, Texas — The City of Fate has completed its review of the recall petition targeting City Councilwoman Codi Chinn, formally verifying the petition as valid and clearing the way for a recall election to be ordered by the City Council.
City officials confirmed that 396 signatures from registered Fate voters were verified and accepted, exceeding the 351 signatures required under the city’s home rule charter. With the verification process complete, the matter now advances to the City Council on Monday, January 26th, which is legally required to call a recall election in accordance with Texas election law.
Under the charter, the action is administerial and the council has no discretion to reject or delay a properly presented petition. Chinn will be given an opportunity for a hearing to address the council, if she chooses, but it will not change the fact that a recall election must be held.
A Stark Electoral Comparison
The verified signature count carries added political significance when viewed against the backdrop of Chinn’s original election.
In June 2024, Chinn prevailed in a runoff election against challenger Cinnamon Krause, winning by a margin of 835 votes (56.92%) to 632 votes (43.08%). The recall petition, which gathered over 400 signatures in approximately one week, represents almost half the total number of votes Chinn received citywide in her election.
While a recall petition is not a direct proxy for voter intent, the comparison underscores the speed and scale of the opposition effort, as well as citizen dissatisfaction with Chinn, particularly in a city where municipal turnout is typically modest and electoral margins are measured in the hundreds, rather than the thousands.
From Certification to the Ballot
With the petition signatures verified and considered “Sufficient”, the recall effort now enters its next—and most consequential—phase. If the council follows the standard timeline, the recall election is expected to be placed on the May ballot, coinciding with regularly scheduled municipal elections for City Council Place 2 (Mark Harper) and Place 3 (Scott Kelley).
Harper and Kelley have not yet announced if they intend to run for reelection.
The recall ballot will present voters with a single question: whether Codi Chinn should be removed from office before the expiration of her term in May 2027. A simple majority is required for removal. If the recall succeeds, the resulting vacancy would be filled by appointment of the council. If it fails, Chinn would retain her seat for the remainder of her term.
Election
Texas AI Attack Ad Sparks Outrage After Showing Jasmine Crockett and John Cornyn Dancing “Washington Waltz” in Heated Senate Race
AUSTIN, Texas — A controversy over the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising has erupted in the Texas U.S. Senate race, after a newly released AI-generated video depicts Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Senator John Cornyn dancing together in stylized scenes meant to satirize their relationship in Washington, D.C. The ad, issued by Texas Attorney General and GOP Senate contender Ken Paxton’s campaign, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum and underscored growing concerns about the use of synthetic media in elections.
The ad, which circulated online beginning around January 16, 2026, shows AI-rendered versions of Crockett and Cornyn engaged in choreographed dancing inside what appears to be a dance hall and in front of the U.S. Capitol. According to reporting, the visuals are meant to reference past remarks in which Cornyn described Crockett as his “dance partner” in the Senate in a metaphorical sense, highlighting their occasional bipartisan cooperation.
What Happened
Ken Paxton’s campaign released the ad titled “Partner” as part of his broader effort to define Cornyn as a weak Republican and to draw contrasts with other candidates in the GOP Senate primary. The video pairs the AI imagery with music and imagery that suggests a partnership out of step with conservative values, implying that Cornyn’s willingness to work across the aisle weakens his Republican bona fides.
The ad appears on social media platforms rather than traditional television and it includes a small disclaimer noting that parts of the video were generated using artificial intelligence. A move supporters say aims to satisfy transparency concerns even though Texas law does not require such disclosure outside of defined electioneering periods.
NEW AD: John Cornyn has been dancing the night way with liberal lunatics like Jasmine Crockett and selling us out every step of the way.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 16, 2026
That’s why he called Crockett his “dance partner” and she said Cornyn was her “best partner” in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/b2LeuBfRYX
The Candidates Involved
- Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman from Texas’ 30th District, which has been redefined by the Texas Legislature, is running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Cornyn. She has toured parts of the state campaigning on issues such as opioid crisis intervention, hunger, and broader economic concerns. She is currently running behind her Democratic challenger, James Talarico.
- John Cornyn is the incumbent Republican U.S. Senator seeking re-election in 2026. Polling shows him falling behind his rival, Ken Paxton, and may even come in third, behind Wesley Hunt.
Reactions From Campaigns
Crockett’s campaign has pushed back against Paxton’s framing, with spokespeople noting that the focus on bipartisanship is not a substantive attack on her record but an attempt to weaponize generative media against her. Supporters say Crockett’s actual work on issues like the opioid crisis and food insecurity demonstrates cross-party cooperation in service of Texans, not political theater.
Cornyn’s team has so far declined to directly comment on the ad, according to reporting, leaving a vacuum that has allowed digital discourse to flourish largely unchecked on social platforms.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The use of AI to depict real political figures doing things they never actually did raises significant legal and ethical questions. Texas law includes provisions that make it a misdemeanor to distribute a “deep fake” video within 30 days of an election with intent to influence the outcome, although enforcement of such statutes is untested and subject to interpretation.
Experts and advocates warn that generative content in political advertising could mislead voters, erode trust in legitimate campaigning, and outpace current regulatory frameworks. There is no federal requirement that ads containing AI-generated content carry clear labels, and states vary widely in how — or whether — they regulate synthetic media in political contexts.
Public and Political Response
The ad has quickly become a topic of discussion on digital forums and social media. Commenters have described it variously as humorous, cringe-inducing, or disturbing, with discussions often centering on broader fears that AI will drown political discourse in manipulated content. Some observers on platforms like Reddit note that the synthetic depictions could backfire on Paxton, especially among voters who see bipartisanship as a virtue.
Republican and Democratic voters alike have expressed frustration online that artificial intelligence is being used to blur the line between satire and misinformation in an already polarized political environment.
Context Within the 2026 Senate Race
The Texas Senate contest in 2026 remains highly competitive. Polls show Cornyn’s support varying across matchups against Democratic contenders, including Crockett and others, with some surveys indicating narrow leads or possible runoff scenarios in the Republican primary.
This ad is one of the earliest signals that the 2026 cycle will ably test the boundaries of campaign messaging technology, and it arrives amidst broader debates about whether legislative or judicial action is needed to govern the use of AI in political communications.
Why This Matters
The “Washington Waltz” style ad exemplifies how rapidly advancing technology is reshaping political campaigns — for better or worse. It forces voters and lawmakers to ask whether current laws are equipped to preserve truthful discourse, or whether new guardrails are required to prevent deceptive content from influencing elections.
For constitutional conservatives and civic activists alike, this incident highlights a deeper tension between free speech protections and the need for electoral integrity. The stakes extend beyond the characters in this particular Senate race; they speak to a future in which digital manipulation can construct realities that never occurred.
As the 2026 primaries approach, voters in Texas — and observers nationwide — will be watching not just who wins or loses, but how campaigns wield revolutionary tools of persuasion in a hypercharged political era.
Dallas, TX — A seismic shift in the 2026 Texas Democratic U.S. Senate primary has unsettled party operatives and raised questions about the viability of one of the party’s most visible progressive figures. According to a new Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey released January 15, 2026, State Rep. James Talarico holds a nine-point lead over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett among likely Democratic primary voters. Talarico’s 47 percent support to Crockett’s 38 percent, with 15 percent undecided, signals a remarkable reversal from a December survey in which Crockett held a clear lead.
The poll results make the March 3 primary a focal point of Texas politics, with implications that stretch from the Democratic Party’s ideological battles to the broader contest for control of the U.S. Senate. At a time when Democrats hoped to topple the Republican stranglehold on statewide offices in Texas, internal party dynamics — and voter preferences — are now in sharper focus.
Shift in Voter Preferences
The Emerson poll, conducted January 10–12 with a sample of 413 likely Democratic primary voters, shows Talarico with broad support across key demographic groups. He leads among Hispanic voters at approximately 59 percent and among white voters at roughly 57 percent. Crockett, while commanding strong loyalty among Black Democratic voters — roughly 80 percent back her — struggles to match Talarico’s cross-sectional appeal.
In the same survey, gender splits emerged: men favored Talarico by a wide margin, while women’s support was nearly evenly divided between the two candidates. With a sizable share of Democratic voters still undecided, the primary remains fluid — but Talarico’s edge appears solid at the moment.
Who Are the Candidates?
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) has been a dynamic presence within Texas Democratic politics since her election to Congress in 2022. Known for her unapologetic progressive rhetoric and criticism of Republican leadership, Crockett quickly became a national figure among the party’s left wing. Early polling suggested she was the Democratic favorite to win the Senate nomination, tapping into energy among urban progressives.
State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) has taken a different approach. A former educator with a reputation for grassroots organizing and a comparatively moderate tone on certain issues, Talarico has worked to broaden his appeal beyond traditional Democratic strongholds. His Senate campaign, which has reportedly raised more than $13 million since its launch, emphasizes his capacity to unite diverse factions of the Democratic electorate.
Their differing campaign strategies are reflected in the latest figures: Crockett’s base remains deeply loyal, particularly among Black voters, while Talarico’s performance with Hispanic and white voters has propelled him ahead in the overall count.
Republican Landscape and Broader Stakes
While Democratic eyes are fixed on their own intraparty struggle, the Republican side of the Texas Senate race also reflects volatility. The Emerson poll indicates that Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are locked in a tight GOP primary contest that could head to a runoff if neither candidate reaches a majority. Both Republicans remain below 30 percent support among likely GOP voters, underscoring ongoing divisions within the party.
Looking ahead to the general election, early hypothetical matchups show Republicans maintaining an advantage in this deeply red state, with Cornyn and Paxton both holding leads in polls against the Democratic contenders. Yet with the Democrats’ primary unsettled and a significant share of voters undecided, the path to victory for either party remains complex and contingent on turnout patterns in November.
Historical Context and Trends
Texas has not elected a Democratic U.S. Senator since 1988, a generational drought that has shaped the party’s approach to statewide races. In recent cycles, Democratic candidates have occasionally narrowed margins but fallen short of victory. Crockett’s initial strong polling reflected belief among some observers that her charisma and progressive credentials might overcome historical headwinds. However, the rapid swing in favor of Talarico suggests voters may prioritize electability in a conservative state.
The shifting polls also highlight internal debates within the Texas Democratic coalition over identity, strategy, and how to appeal to a statewide electorate that still tilts Republican. How the candidates navigate these conversations — and how they position themselves against Republican opponents — will likely shape the party’s fortunes in 2026 and beyond.
Conclusion: A Party at a Crossroads
From my vantage point, as someone who approaches politics through a constitutional conservative lens, the Democratic primary in Texas illustrates deeper tensions within that party: a clash between ideological purity and pragmatic calculation. Crockett’s progressive firebrand brand once made her the favorite among activists, but her apparent inability to expand beyond her base underscores the challenges of winning statewide in a state where conservative voters still outnumber Democrats. Talarico’s rise suggests that Democratic voters themselves may be responding to the cold arithmetic of electability rather than purely ideological factors.
Regardless of who wins the Democratic nomination, the general election will be an uphill battle for the party in Texas. Republicans remain firmly positioned, and the competitive primary may deplete resources that could have been directed toward a unified campaign against GOP nominees. If Democrats hope to flip a Senate seat for the first time in nearly four decades, they will need cohesion, strong turnout, and a candidate capable of bridging ideological divides.
For now, the story is not just Crockett versus Talarico — it is a reflection of Texas’s evolving political identity, where margins are tight, and electoral fortunes can turn on a single poll. Only voters themselves, and the campaigns that engage them between now and March, will determine which narrative prevails.
Sources:
Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey, January 15, 2026.
Texas Tribune reporting on Emerson poll results.
Newsmax analysis of Texas primary polling trends.
Black Enterprise – Crockett is behind in polls.
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