HOUSTON, TX – Questions are being raised after Aubrey Taylor publicly claimed he recently received a $25,000 payment from what he described as a “conservative supporter,” while also stating that Democratic judges have collectively paid him more than $12,500 for campaign-related services.
In a public post dated July 4, Taylor wrote that he picked up a $25,000 check on July 1, 2026, and shared what appeared to be a photograph of the check. He also projected a $2.5 million budget for activities related to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
As artificial intelligence and digital editing tools become increasingly sophisticated, verifying images posted online has become more challenging. Based solely on the image that was shared, Houston Stringer has not identified evidence indicating the photograph itself was generated by artificial intelligence. However, a photograph alone does not establish that a payment actually occurred.
It is also important to note that commercially available blank business checks can be legally purchased and printed using accounting software or check-printing systems. Because of that, the existence of a printed check or a photograph of one, by itself, does not confirm that the check was issued by the purported payer, negotiated through a financial institution, or backed by available funds.
At this time, Houston Stringer has not independently verified that the check is authentic, that it was negotiated or deposited, or that the funds were actually received. Independent verification would typically require documentation such as bank records, confirmation from the alleged payer, canceled check records, or other supporting financial documentation.
If the claimed payment was made by a political campaign, political action committee, or another entity subject to campaign finance reporting requirements, future campaign finance filings could provide additional information regarding the expenditure. If the payment came from a private individual using personal funds, it may not appear in campaign finance reports.
Taylor also stated that “Democratic judges” have already paid him more than $12,500 to promote their re-election campaigns. Previous campaign finance records reviewed by Houston Stringer have shown payments by multiple political campaigns to Taylor or entities associated with him. However, each payment would need to be evaluated individually to determine the services provided and whether those services were completed.
The claim comes as renewed attention has focused on Taylor’s criminal history. Public court records show Taylor was convicted on Feb. 28, 2008, of Theft by Check ($1,500 to less than $20,000), a felony. That conviction is a matter of public record.
Dr. Matthews also issued a public statement calling for additional scrutiny of campaign expenditures involving Taylor.
“The voters deserve answers.
If campaign finance records show that campaign funds were paid to Aubrey Taylor, then every elected official, campaign manager, and political action committee involved should explain why.
Aubrey Taylor has a publicly documented felony record, yet political campaigns have chosen to pay him with campaign funds. That is a decision voters have a right to evaluate.
We will be reviewing campaign finance reports, expenditures, and public records involving every elected official, campaign manager, and political action committee that has chosen to do business with Aubrey Taylor. Regardless of party affiliation, the public deserves transparency about who received campaign money, what services were promised, and whether those services were actually delivered.
Accountability is not partisan. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents should all be held to the same standard. If public officials choose to spend donor dollars on a vendor with a felony record, they should be prepared to explain that decision to the voters who entrusted them with those resources.
Transparency isn’t optional. Public trust must be earned.”
As of publication, there is no publicly available documentation independently confirming Taylor’s claimed $25,000 payment. Houston Stringer will continue reviewing campaign finance reports, public records, and any additional documentation that becomes available to determine whether the claim can be independently verified.
Fact Check Status: Unverified
What is known:
- Taylor publicly claimed he received a $25,000 check on July 1, 2026.
- Taylor shared an image appearing to show a check.
- Houston Stringer has not identified evidence that the image itself is AI-generated.
- Public records show Taylor was convicted on Feb. 28, 2008, of felony Theft by Check ($1,500 to less than $20,000).
- Previous campaign finance reports have reflected payments from multiple political campaigns to Taylor or entities associated with him.
What remains unverified:
- Whether the $25,000 check is authentic.
- Whether the check was deposited or honored by a financial institution.
- The identity of the alleged payer.
- Whether the payment will appear in campaign finance records or was a private transaction.
- Whether the claimed payment was connected to political activity.
- Whether the services associated with any claimed payment were actually performed
Disclaimer: This article may include statements, opinions, or allegations made by interview subjects, guests, contributors, or members of the public. These statements are solely those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Houston Stringer. Unless specifically identified as verified reporting, such statements have not been independently verified by Houston Stringer and should not be interpreted as established fact. Readers are encouraged to review original source documents and statements from all parties before reaching conclusions. For more information, please see our Disclaimer.
