Texas GOP Chair Arrested for Election Fraud After Leading Election Integrity Crusade
Kelly Giles’ felony arrest over falsified candidacy documents exposes contradictions in the Texas GOP’s push for election integrity.
Kelly Kenten Giles, chairman of the Randall County Republican Party, was arrested Monday on a felony election fraud charge for allegedly submitting false information in his candidacy paperwork — an incident that casts doubt on the Texas GOP’s own integrity narrative, according to a report by The Texas Tribune.
Indictment Details Alleged Falsification
Giles, 64, turned himself in to the Randall County jail after a grand jury indicted him on June 25. The indictment alleges he provided false information on his application and petition to appear on the March 2024 primary ballot. While specifics of the alleged falsification remain unclear, Texas law elevates the charge to a felony when committed by an elected official.
He was released from jail shortly after booking. Neither Giles nor the Randall County GOP has responded to requests for comment.
State GOP Responds as Local Party Stays Silent
While local party officials have remained quiet, Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George issued a statement Tuesday reaffirming the party’s commitment to election integrity.
“The Republican Party of Texas is steadfastly committed to upholding election integrity and the principles of the rule of law,” George wrote. “I am resolute in my duty to ensure that our commitment to securing Texas elections is upheld, which entails conducting elections with integrity by our elected party officials.”
Integrity Advocate Entangled in Scandal
Giles’ arrest arrives against the backdrop of a sustained campaign by Texas Republicans to police elections more aggressively — efforts frequently justified by claims of widespread fraud following former President Donald Trump’s loss in 2020.
Critics have called the situation emblematic of hypocrisy, noting that while GOP officials champion restrictive voting laws and stricter enforcement, some have themselves been accused of undermining electoral integrity.
Just days before Giles’ arrest, a former Democratic state House candidate and nine others were indicted in South Texas on charges of vote harvesting, further fueling partisan tensions.
What Comes Next for Giles and the Party
Initially appointed to the chairmanship by the county party’s executive committee in May 2023, Giles won a full term in March 2024 with 51% of the vote, defeating opponents Brien Maxwell and Pat Bohlender.
His case is now being handled by the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit after the Randall County District Attorney recused himself. Legal analysts say the felony charge carries serious potential penalties and could erode public trust in the party’s integrity campaign if proven true.