Checking the Facts
on the PAC Attacks
They are attacking Mike
because he will be an effective leader.
Several political action committees (PACs) have begun sending out mail, advertisements, and other attack messages against Mike Siegel. These groups are funded by some of the most conservative, right-wing forces in Austin politics: the Travis County GOP Chair Matt Mackowiak, Trump mega-donor Gary Farmer, and more. The messages are ugly.
For those of you who want to know the underlying truths, here’s a brief fact check.
Lie #1: “Mike Siegel will defund the police”
Mike has said no such thing.
What Mike has done, however, is serve as a champion for police reform. He co-authored the Austin Police Oversight Act, which was adopted by a 79% vote of Austin voters at a May 2023 election. Then he represented Equity Action, the nonprofit that supported the ballot measure, in a successful lawsuit against the City of Austin. In that case, a Travis County Judge ruled that the City had violated City law by failing to implement key provisions of the police oversight law.
The forces promoting the “defund” lie are upset that Mike will be a strong voice on Council for a police department that respects civil rights.
Lie #2: “Mike Siegel has committed ethics violations”
You may have received this mail piece. It is based on an ethics complaint that was dismissed by the City of Austin. The underlying complaint alleged that Ground Game Texas, a nonprofit organization that Mike co-founded, was taking action to support this campaign. The City of Austin reviewed the complaint and dismissed it without a hearing — because it did not allege any facts to support an investigation.
Lie #3: “Mike Siegel’s nonprofit has exploited women of color”
This was also in a mail piece. This is a particularly gross attack. Ground Game Texas has strong policies in place to ensure an equitable workplace, as are detailed in its values statement. The Board of the organization has also posted a statement. In short: this lie was promoted by a former employee of Ground Game Texas who was fired for misconduct.
Meet the PACs
These are the PACs funding the attacks against Mike.
PAC #1: Save Austin Now
This group is led by Matt Mackowiak, Travis County GOP Chair, and is supporting Gary Bledsoe. Mackowiak is known for demonizing Austin Democrats and promoting an extreme, right-wing, pro-Trump agenda. Mackowiak has identified Mike Siegel as his enemy ever since Mike was the Democratic nominee for Congress in the Texas 10th in 2018 and 2020
“Thank you for all that you do” — Gary Bledsoe to Matt Mackowiak, Travis County GOP Chair
This organization is funded by GOP and pro-Trump donors including Gary Farmer, the head of pro-business group Opportunity Austin. Farmer’s donation history includes tens of thousands of dollars in support for Donald Trump as well as support for Ted Cruz and others. His PAC is targeting Mike because he has been a champion for police oversight and accountability.
PAC #2: Protect Austin PAC
This PAC is funded by donors including oil and gas millionaires like Kirk Mitchell, and is supporting Gary Bledsoe. The PAC is targeting Mike because he has spoken in support of building more housing within the City as a way to benefit workers and address climate change. The PAC also supported Republican Mackenzie Kelly in the general election campaign in City Council District 6.
PAC #3: Austin United PAC
This PAC is funded by owners of large apartment complexes. The PAC is targeting Mike because as a City Attorney he successfully sued several apartment complexes on behalf of tenants, for issues including failing to provide hot water during winter months.
PAC #4: Austin Apartment Association PAC
This PAC is funded by Bobby Epstein, the owner of the F1 Circuit of the Americas race track, and supporters of former GOP Austin City Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly. The PAC is targeting Mike because he has spoken in support of building more housing within the City as a way to benefit workers and address climate change. The PAC has been previously cited for publishing false information by Politifact.