Katy Padilla Stout campaign spending under scrutiny in Texas race

Democratic congressional candidate Katy Padilla Stout is facing criticism regarding campaign expenditures in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Federal Election Commission records show Stout’s campaign reported $4,338.14 across five transactions in March and April for items including cookies, beer, wine, and Mexican restaurant meals.

Specific expenditures include $675 for cookies for an event, $1,289.22 and $200.14 at Total Wine for beer and wine, and combined payments totaling over $2,400 at Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana. Republican opponent Brandon Herrera has used these transactions as a point of attack on his campaign website, labeling the issue ‘Cookie-gate.’

In response to the scrutiny, Stout stated that the disbursements were intended for campaign and fundraising events attended by supporters.