Texas Judge Switches to GOP After Being Charged With Money Laundering
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Ford Bend County Judge KP George, who is currently facing charges over alleged money laundering and misrepresentation of identity, has announced his defection from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.
Newsweek contacted George, one of his attorneys and both the Texas Democrats and Republican Party of Texas for comment via email or online inquiry form. We are yet to receive a response but this story will be updated if we do.
Why It Matters
George's defection means the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court in Texas now contains three Republicans and two Democrats, a reversal of the previous situation.
Despite their name, Commissioner Courts are legislative and administrative bodies that have influence over a range of subjects in the county including its budget, infrastructure and electoral districts.
Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Fort Bend County Republican Party President Bobby Eberle said he hoped the move would lead to "real change" including "fair and balanced voting maps and correcting the obscenely gerrymandered commissioners' precinct lines forced on the county by the Democrats in 2021."
What To Know
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, George said he was joining the Republican Party after concluding "the Democratic Party has embraced a corrupt and radical ideology" with "its positions no longer reflecting the values of Fort Bend County families, small businesses [and] also hardworking residents."
By contrast, George said the GOP was the party of "faith, family and freedom" adding: "I chose a side, and it turned out to be the wrong place, and I'm fixing that." He added he plans to stand for reelection in 2026 as a Republican candidate.
George has been charged with money laundering between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Prosecutors allege the laundering was campaign finance fraud and took place between January 12, 2019, and April 22, 2019. George took office on January 1, 2019, following a 2018 election.
According to Houston Public Media, in April 2025 George denied wrongdoing, accusing the district attorney's office of "weaponizing" its powers against him.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Richmond, Texas.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Richmond, Texas.
Godofredo A. Vásquez/Houston Chronicle/AP
He also said the money that is subject to the investigation was to repay a loan of personal funds to his campaign in what he described as a "standard and lawful practice."
Separately in September, 2024, George was indicted on a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity, following allegations he conspired with his former staffer Taral Patel to target George's own campaign with falsified racist comments on social media during his 2022 reelection campaign, some of which were attributed to real people.
George narrowly secured reelection in the 2022 contest, with 51 percent of the vote.
Prosecutors claim the racist comments were posted by Patel using fake accounts and that George was aware this was taking place. George has denied any wrongdoing. In April, 2025, as part of a plea deal, Patel admitted he committed misrepresentation in a bid to support George politically
What People Are Saying
In a statement Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers said: "Regardless of Judge George's party affiliation, I'll continue to collaborate with him and other members of commissioners court for the good of our community."
Judge Dexter McCoy, one of the two remaining Democrats on the commissioners court, described George as "morally corrupt."
He said: "He has chosen to prioritize his own personal self-interests over the will and well-being of the people who elected him. He has turned his back on the values he claimed to represent, and in so doing, has betrayed the trust of our community."
What Happens Next
George could face a primary challenge from other Republicans if he goes ahead with his plan of seeking election in 2026 under the party's platform. The legal cases against him are ongoing and it remains to be seen how they will be resolved.
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