Mayoral Candidate Challenges Austin's Campaign Finance Rules in Landmark Lawsuit

Austin mayoral candidate Doug Greco has filed a lawsuit against the City of Austin, alleging that the city's campaign finance rules limiting out-of-city contributions are unconstitutional. The lawsuit, which names the city, the city manager, and the interim city attorney as defendants, argues that the current rules infringe on the First Amendment rights of those outside Austin who wish to support Greco's campaign.

Empowering Grassroots Campaigns and Protecting Civil Liberties

Challenging the Status Quo

The crux of Greco's lawsuit is that the current $47,000 limit on out-of-Austin contributions "protects Austin incumbents, insiders and big donor establishments of West Austin and other favored zip codes," according to Holt Major Lackey, the attorney representing Greco. Greco contends that this rule hinders his ability to run a grassroots campaign and reach beyond the city's borders to garner support from his broader network of family, friends, and colleagues across the country.Greco's campaign argues that the rule effectively silences the voices of those outside Austin who wish to support his candidacy, thereby violating their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit seeks to overturn this regulation, which Greco believes unfairly advantages well-connected and well-funded candidates.

Leveling the Playing Field

Greco's lawsuit comes on the heels of ethics complaints filed against him and Mayor Kirk Watson in July, alleging that both candidates had exceeded the out-of-Austin contributions limit. While Greco acknowledges that his campaign may have surpassed the limit, he maintains that the law itself has hindered his ability to continue to effectively communicate his message to voters just weeks before the election."I don't have the rich friends that Kirk Watson does, and I can't loan my own campaign substantial amounts of money like two of the other challengers have done and can continue to do without legal limits," Greco said. "I should be able to run a grassroots fundraising campaign from allies, supporters, colleagues, friends and family from inside and outside of Austin, so I can continue to fight for working families and stand up to [Gov.] Greg Abbott against his attacks on our civil rights."

Seeking Urgent Injunctive Relief

With the election just two months away, Greco and his legal team have filed a request for a temporary injunction, asking the court to act quickly to address the issue. Lackey, Greco's attorney, said they have requested that the court issue an order by October 4th, "so that donors can participate in this election and the Greco campaign can be put on an even footing before November 5th."The lawsuit's success could have far-reaching implications for the mayoral race and the future of campaign finance regulations in Austin. As the city grapples with the balance between limiting the influence of outside money and preserving the democratic process, Greco's challenge could set a precedent that reshapes the landscape of local elections.