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The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit

A trio of Texas churches donated to political candidate despite clear IRS prohibition

A candidate for the Abilene City Council said that three churches made an honest mistake by donating to his campaign and that he is returning the money. The race has been beset by allegations of electioneering by churches.

By Jessica Priest and Jeremy Schwartz, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica
An American flag waves in the wind next to a sign for Scott Beard in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)

A campaign sign for Ryan Goodwin stands outside of First Church of the Nazarene in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)
A campaign sign for Scott Beard stands outside of Hope 4 Life Church in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)
A campaign sign for James Sargent stands outside of New Beginnings Pentecostal Church in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)
Ryan Goodwin stands in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)
James Sargent stands inside Auto Aide Repair in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)
A campaign sign for James Sargent stands outside of Mosaic Church in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Mr. Sargent attends Mosaic Church. (Photo by Emil T. Lippe for Pro Publica)

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