Ethics probe findings released for GOP lawmakers accused of misusing campaign money

The Office of Congressional Ethics cleared Reps. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) of wrongdoing after they were accused of misusing campaign money by spending it on private clubs and for personal gain.

The committee opened the investigation in May. The Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent entity that investigates allegations against officials, then reported its findings to the Ethics Committee in June.

"The panel said that it found evidence in several instances that campaigns 'did not fully comply' with standards for personal use of campaign funds and reporting requirements," The Dallas Morning News reported.

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"Jackson spent nearly $12,000 since 2020 on membership at the Amarillo Club, and Hunt spent over $74,000 between April 2022 and January 2024 at the Post Oak Hotel, including membership fees at its exclusive Oak Room club," the Texas Tribune reported in June, citing the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Hunt, in particular, enjoyed the perks of the social club, including hotel discounts, free valet parking, and "invitations to social events with celebrities," the outlet reported. Hunt claimed instead, however, that it was nothing more than a "hotel program" that gave him access to a private penthouse that he used for campaign events.

Federal campaign money can be used for specific campaign events at private clubs but not for membership or unlimited access, according to the report.

Clause 6 of the Code of Official Conduct mandates Members “may not convert campaign funds to personal use in excess of an amount representing reimbursement for legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures” and generally “may not expend funds from a campaign account of such individual that are not attributable to bona fide campaign or political purposes.”

However, the Ethics Committee dismissed that charge in the findings of the Monday report.

"In several of the matters that the Committee is resolving, there was evidence that the Member's campaign did not fully comply with the applicable standards relating to personal use of campaign funds, as well as reporting or recordkeeping requirements for campaign expenditures," the committee said in a statement.

"However, there was no evidence that any Member intentionally misused campaign funds for their personal benefit. The Committee has contacted relevant Members to provide them with a copy of the updated guidance as well as specific findings and recommendations with respect to that Member's campaign activity. The Committee will take no further action in those matters and will consider them closed," the statement also said.