The runoff election for an at-large seat on the Irving City Council is witnessing a dramatic increase in political spending, fueled largely by contributions linked to a formidable GOP donor network comprising West Texas oil and gas billionaires.
The financial landscape of this election is detailed in the final campaign finance disclosures filed ahead of the runoff scheduled for June 7.
The two candidates vying for the position are political newcomers: David Pfaff, a retired business owner and former chairman of the Irving Chamber of Commerce, and Sergio Porres, an IT consultant.
The intensity of their race has intensified significantly due to substantial campaign spending and an ongoing controversy regarding the Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s proposal to develop a casino resort on the site of the former Texas Stadium.
Earlier this year, Sands Corp. disclosed plans for a “destination resort” near the long-dormant stadium site.
However, public opposition prompted the casino giant to withdraw a segment of a proposed zoning ordinance related to gambling, which eventually passed after being amended, achieving a narrow 6-3 vote in favor.
Sergio Porres has reported a strong financial backing ahead of the runoff, disclosing nearly $110,000 in contributions received between April 24 and May 28, marking the last reporting period before the election.
Of this amount, over half, specifically $65,000, was sourced from two political action committees associated with Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks — prominent oil and gas billionaires deeply embedded in supporting conservative candidates across Texas.
The political action committees, Texas Conservative Project PAC and Texans United for a Conservative Majority, contributed $40,000 and $25,000 to Porres’s campaign, respectively.
Notably, the $25,000 donation was received prior to the May 3 election, while the $40,000 contribution came in the final week leading up to the runoff.
Attempts to reach representatives from these groups for comments were unsuccessful.
In a recent interview, Porres remarked that he had not directly communicated with leaders of the supporting committees but suggested that their contributions were influenced by his firm stance against gambling, particularly relating to the Sands’ proposal.
“Tim Dunn is probably the single largest factor in why gambling is not legal in Texas,” Porres stated. “His support for me is pretty obvious: it’s based on … my no-casino stance.”
On the other hand, David Pfaff, while showing a lower financial standing, has garnered endorsements from both the Irving Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Irving Police Association.
In the May election phase, he was also backed by the Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization not obligated to disclose its donors under state law.
Interestingly, a phone number listed in the group’s filing appeared in lobbying disclosures from Las Vegas Sands, highlighting the interconnections of political financing in the election.
Instead of direct donations, the group reportedly spent over $160,000 supporting three candidates, including Pfaff, focusing on promotional activities such as signs and mailers.
Porres has articulated his reservations about the amendments pursued by the Sands regarding the former Texas Stadium site, voicing skepticism about the legalization of gambling in Texas during his campaign.
When queried about the Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, Pfaff maintained ignorance regarding the group’s identity but expressed a desire for increased limits on such third-party involvement in local races.
Pfaff has asserted, “The amount of money spent on this race is ridiculous on both sides. Any citizen in Irving should be able to run a race with [a] minimal amount of money, make your best case, go out there, put out some signs, have some debates, and then serve.”
Aside from his funding sources, Porres has received support from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, an organization that evaluates state lawmakers based on their economic policy votes and provides annual ratings.
Founded by Michael Quinn Sullivan, this group maintains close ties to the now-defunct Empower Texans, which was significantly supported by Dunn and Wilks.
In the last few weeks leading up to the June 7 election, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility disclosed spending exceeding $150,000 aimed at bolstering Porres and two other candidates running for local positions in San Antonio.
The group allocated its resources toward door-to-door canvassing, printed materials, and digital outreach efforts to promote the three candidates, including Porres.
In addition to Porres, the Texans for Fiscal Responsibility also endorsed Rolando Pablos, a mayoral candidate in San Antonio, and Misty Spears, who is competing for a council seat in San Antonio’s District 9.
The breakdown of funding distributions among the three candidates was not clearly outlined in the group’s filing.
Moreover, Porres has also secured endorsements from Families for Irving, a political action committee dedicated to enhancing the city as an ideal place for family life.
Notably, four of the nine sitting City Council members have previously received backing from Families for Irving in their campaigns.
In the past election, John Bloch, an incumbent from District 1 who was backed by the group, successfully defeated challenger Tony Grimes, while Adam Muller, another backed candidate, triumphed over Priscilla Vigliante in the District 7 race.
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