Conroe ISD Trustees Face Campaign Finance Allegations

**Conroe ISD Trustees Gambini and O’Connor Face Ethics Complaints Alleging Campaign Finance Violations**

**CONROE, TX –** Two Conroe Independent School District (CISD) Trustees, Melissa Gambini and Stacey O’Connor, are facing formal complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) alleging significant campaign finance violations during their successful November 2023 election campaigns. The complaints, filed on May 29, 2024, by Montgomery County resident Sarah Blakelock, center on accusations of undisclosed donors, exceeding contribution limits, and the alleged use of a “dark money” Political Action Committee (PAC) to circumvent state law.

Blakelock, represented by attorney Craig T. Enoch, claims that Trustees Gambini and O’Connor failed to properly disclose substantial contributions, specifically identifying the “Conservatives for Conroe ISD” PAC as a key player. The complaints allege this PAC acted as a conduit to “launder” corporate donations, thereby circumventing Texas law which explicitly prohibits direct corporate contributions to individual political campaigns.

“Voters in Conroe ISD deserve to know exactly who is funding our school board members’ campaigns,” Blakelock stated in a recent interview. “This isn’t just about legality; it’s about transparency and the integrity of our local elections. When ‘dark money’ groups funnel corporate funds, it distorts the democratic process and misleads voters about the true sources of influence.”

According to the complaints, the “Conservatives for Conroe ISD” PAC received considerable contributions from corporations, including $100,000 from Enterprise Holdings Inc. and $25,000 from Waste Connections, Inc. The PAC then reportedly funneled significant sums directly to the trustees’ campaigns: $118,000 to Gambini’s campaign and $138,000 to O’Connor’s. Mr. Enoch argues these actions ultimately misled voters about who was truly backing the candidates.

Gambini’s initial campaign reports, filed before the November 2023 election, were reportedly amended in February 2024, several months after the election. Her attorney, Jonathan White, responded via email on June 10, 2024, stating unequivocally that “no violations occurred” and that any amendments to campaign finance reports were made “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure full compliance.

Trustee O’Connor has not publicly commented on the allegations. This silence echoes observations from the Houston Chronicle regarding previous inquiries directed at O’Connor. Efforts to reach O’Connor for comment by press time were unsuccessful.

Attempts to reach representatives for “Conservatives for Conroe ISD” for comment were also unsuccessful. Their publicly stated mission emphasizes “promoting conservative values and fiscally responsible leadership within Conroe ISD.” Enterprise Holdings Inc. and Waste Connections Inc. did not respond to requests for comment regarding their contributions to the PAC.

**The Role of Money in Local Elections**

The complaints highlight increasing scrutiny on campaign finance in local school board races, which have become more contentious and expensive in recent years, often mirroring broader political divides. Conroe ISD, one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in Texas, serves over 70,000 students and manages a multi-million dollar budget, making its board positions highly influential.

“School board elections across Texas are seeing increased spending and scrutiny, especially in rapidly growing areas like Montgomery County,” noted Dr. Emily Hayes, a political science professor at the University of Houston. “Transparency in campaign finance is crucial for maintaining public trust, particularly when significant corporate funds are involved indirectly through PACs. The public has a right to know if powerful interests are attempting to sway local governance.”

Gambini and O’Connor won their respective trustee positions in the November 2023 election with 51% and 52% of the vote, respectively, indicating closely contested races.

**Next Steps for the Texas Ethics Commission**

The Texas Ethics Commission now has a 60-day window from the May 29, 2024, filing date to review the complaints. During this period, the TEC will determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to open a formal investigation into the allegations against Trustees Gambini and O’Connor.

If the TEC decides to open an investigation, it could lead to potential civil penalties, fines, or, in severe cases, referral to prosecutors for criminal investigation, although such outcomes are rare for initial disclosure violations. The TEC’s process involves reviewing documentation, potentially requesting more information from involved parties, and holding hearings.

The outcome of this TEC review will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders in the Conroe ISD community, as it could set a precedent for campaign finance enforcement in local elections across the region.

*(This story will be updated as more information becomes available. For more details on Texas campaign finance law, visit the Texas Ethics Commission website: [https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/](https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/).)*