Wealthy philanthropist Miriam Adelson contributes $1 million to a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supports Senator Ted Cruz.
A heavy-duty Political Action Committee (PAC) backing Sen. Ted Cruz's re-election bid in Texas received a million dollars in donations from megadonor and casino tycoon Miriam Adelson. This PAC has already spent over $700K on Cruz's campaign, with a total balance of $1.6M as of May. It isn't associated with Cruz's official re-election campaign.
Adelson and her family are primary shareholders of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), with Miriam being the largest stockholder. They've also become the majority owners of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Cruz is up against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, in November's election. During the first quarter of 2024, Cruz raised over $9.7M from various sources.
In a recent University of Texas poll, Cruz leads Allred by an 11-point margin.
LVS is pushing hard to get Texas lawmakers to support casino legislation.
backing Pro-Casino Politicians
Adelson has dished out more than $4M to Texas politicians who support the idea of casino resorts in Texas in recent years. Among them are Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, R, and Rep. John Kuempel, R.
She also contributed $1M to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's re-election bid in 2022. Abbott exhibits a moderate stance towards casino legislation.
"We ain't about slot machines messin' up convenience stores, we don't wanna see hard-earned cash of Texans wasted on gambling, and we ain't got time for any criminal activities associated with gaming," said Renae Eze, Abbott's press secretary in a recent statement. "But if there's a way to offer Texans a professional entertainment option, Governor Abbott might consider it."
Like her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, Miriam Adelson is a significant contributor to Republican politicians. In 2019-2020, the Adelsons handed over more than $218M to Republican and conservative causes and politicians. Sheldon Adelson passed away in 2021.
Their son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, LVS president and governor of the Dallas Mavericks, also supports the expansion of casinos in Texas.
"Buying the team had zip to do with getting gambling in Texas," Dumont said. "Las Vegas Sands had been eyeing Texas way before we even knew we were gonna buy the team."
"If there's ever a time when our interests align and it makes sense, then we'll give it a shot," he added. "But right now, I'm fully focused on the Dallas Mavericks doing what's best for the team, and Las Vegas Sands is concentrated on doing what's best for Las Vegas Sands."
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