Because Texas doesn’t have limits on contribution amounts, rich and powerful people can cut massive checks to campaigns.
For Abbott, his biggest donors have always come from the energy industry and this time is no exception, with energy tycoons making up his top 10 donors. Oil and gas executives S. Javaid Anwar, Jeff Hildebrand and Gary Martin, in particular, have been regular contributors to Abbott for years. In addition, Abbott has received donations from deep-pocketed donors in the real estate and construction industries.
O’Rourke received two $1 million checks from Austin couple Simone Coxe, who has worked in communications, and Tench Coxe, a former venture capitalist. In addition, he received $1 million from billionaire George Soros, who is known for backing liberal candidates. His top donors come from a range of industries including real estate, law and consulting.
