Texas Ethics Commission Accepts Jurisdiction Over Complaint Against Soros-Backed Democratic PAC for Alleged Campaign Finance Violations
In a development that highlights ongoing scrutiny of political action committees in Texas, the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) has accepted jurisdiction over a sworn complaint alleging that the Texas Majority PAC failed to comply with campaign finance reporting requirements ahead of the November 4, 2025, election. The complaint, filed under number SC-32511419, accuses the PAC of not timely submitting mandatory pre-election reports and failing to disclose political contributions and expenditures.
According to a TEC notice dated November 12, 2025, and addressed to Jason Lee, a co-founder of the PAC, the allegations center on violations of the Texas Election Code. Specifically, the complaint claims the Texas Majority PAC did not file its 30-day and 8-day pre-election campaign finance reports in connection with the November 4 election. It further alleges that the PAC failed to disclose its political contributions and/or expenditures during the 30-day and 8-day pre-election reporting periods, in violation of Sections 254.154 and 254.031 of the Election Code.
The TEC has classified the matter as a “Category Two” violation, which applies to complaints that do not allege only minor technical or de minimis issues. Under TEC rules, this triggers a Level 2 discovery control plan, governing the investigation and discovery process. The commission determined that the sworn complaint meets its legal and technical requirements for accepting jurisdiction, though it emphasized that this does not imply a finding of violation at this stage.
Jason Lee, who must respond on behalf of the PAC, has been given 25 business days from the date of receiving the notice to submit a written response under oath. The response should admit or deny the allegations, provide supporting evidence, and may include a challenge to the TEC’s jurisdiction. An affidavit form was enclosed for this purpose. The notice also warns that failure to respond will constitute a separate violation. At this early stage, the complaint and related documents remain strictly confidential under TEC rules.
The Texas Majority PAC, founded in December 2022 by Jason Lee, Katherine Fischer, and Crystal Zermeño, is a Houston-based Democratic group aimed at electing Democrats to statewide offices and flipping Texas blue. The PAC has received significant funding from billionaire George Soros and raised over $2.25 million in its early efforts. In June 2025, it partnered with the Texas Democratic Party to launch “Blue Texas,” an eight-figure initiative to boost Democratic candidates in the 2026 elections. However, the group has faced internal party tensions and external investigations, including a probe launched by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in August 2025 over allegations of unlawfully funding a district attorney.
Lee, the son of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, has been a prominent figure in Democratic politics but recently drew scrutiny for his dual roles. While serving as a senior advisor to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Lee voted in Texas during the November 2024 presidential election, raising questions about his residency compliance with Chicago city rules.
The complaint was filed by Houston attorney Mark McCaig. McCaig, known for lodging ethics complaints against political figures across party lines, has recently targeted Texas Democrats, including an August 2025 filing against state Rep. Gene Wu over alleged improper fundraising during a legislative session. He has also pursued cases against Republicans, such as past complaints against Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
As of now, no public response from the Texas Majority PAC or Lee has been reported, and the TEC’s investigation remains ongoing. This case underscores the rigorous reporting obligations for PACs under Texas law, particularly during election periods, and could impact the group’s operations amid its ambitious plans for future Democratic gains in the state.