TEXAS — A text message provided to our newsroom indicates Texas Republicans are distancing themselves from controversial blogger and convicted felon Aubrey Taylor, citing concerns about trust, political relationships, and what one Republican official described as a pattern of conduct that made Taylor an unsuitable political partner.
The Republican official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, wrote in the text message:
“We’re not looking to do business or get in bed with Aubrey Taylor… he’s got a pattern of working both sides, Democrats and Republicans… That alone was enough for us to not trust him and to stay out of his dealings entirely.”
The message also states the official was concerned that becoming involved in Taylor’s ongoing public dispute could negatively affect political efforts leading up to the November election.
“…especially with it now potentially pulling you into our backyard and hurting us on the ballot in November… we’re not interested in getting in the middle of anything between you two.”
According to the text message, the decision to distance themselves from Taylor was based on the official’s own experiences and observations.
The text message comes amid increasing public scrutiny surrounding Taylor. Previous reporting by Houston Stringer found campaign finance records showing candidates, officeholders, political organizations and political action committees reported paying more than $395,000 to Aubrey R. Taylor Communications since 2015. The reported payments span multiple election cycles and include both Democratic and Republican candidates. The campaign expenditures themselves do not indicate wrongdoing and are routinely reported under Texas campaign finance laws.
Houston Stringer also previously reported that publicly available photographs and videos appear to show Taylor, whose Texas court records reflect multiple felony convictions, wearing body armor, including alongside political figures. Under Texas Penal Code Section 46.041, a person convicted of a felony commits an offense if, after the conviction, they possess metal or body armor. The statute defines body armor as body covering designed to protect against gunfire. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Federal law, under 18 U.S.C. § 931, generally prohibits body armor possession only for individuals convicted of certain qualifying violent felonies.
Houston Stringer previously reported that it did not allege Taylor committed an offense related to body armor and that its reporting was limited to publicly available photographs, court records and applicable state and federal law.
Following that reporting, Dr. Matthews hand-delivered evidence to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and filed a formal complaint regarding the body armor photographs and videos. As of publication, no criminal charges related to that complaint have been filed.
Google removed Taylor’s Blogspot page after it was reported by Dr. Matthews that the site contained false information used to target political opponents, activists, court watchers and other critics. Dr. Matthews has since announced plans to pursue additional legal action.
In a public statement following the release of the text message, Dr. Matthews said individuals involved in Texas politics have contacted her to say they have chosen to distance themselves from Taylor after reviewing publicly available information. She said her goal has been to present documented facts, encourage transparency and allow elected officials, political organizations and the public to make their own decisions. Dr. Matthews added that she intends to continue investigating and reporting on matters of public interest regardless of political affiliation.
Taylor’s response to the statements was not immediately available.
