Story perspectives

Texas Candidate Switches Parties, Faces Backlash from Donors

12/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Katherine Culbert, a Texas candidate for state railroad commissioner, fundraised as a Democrat before filing to run as a Republican for the 2026 election.
She previously ran as a Democratic candidate in 2024 and raised funds through ActBlue.
Days later, Culbert announced her switch to the Republican Party.
Critics accused her of defrauding Democratic donors, with calls for refunds.
The main Democratic contender now is former oilfield engineer Jon Rosenthal.

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Story summary

Katherine Culbert, a Texas candidate for state railroad commissioner, fundraised as a Democrat before filing to run as a Republican for the 2026 election.
She previously ran as a Democratic candidate in 2024 and raised funds through ActBlue.
Days later, Culbert announced her switch to the Republican Party.
Critics accused her of defrauding Democratic donors, with calls for refunds.
The main Democratic contender now is former oilfield engineer Jon Rosenthal.