El Paso City Council candidate cites error after finance report flags spending

July 23, 2026 - 09:20

A candidate for the El Paso City Council is defending his campaign spending after a recent finance report flagged purchases at restaurants and clothing stores. The candidate acknowledged the report contained mistakes and said he is working to correct the filings.

The disclosure, which covers recent campaign activity, showed expenditures that some observers said could raise ethical concerns. The candidate stated that the spending was not improper but resulted from a clerical error in how the expenses were categorized. He emphasized that all money was used for legitimate campaign purposes, including meals with volunteers and attire for public events.

"I take full responsibility for the reporting error, but the intent was always lawful and transparent," the candidate said. He added that his campaign team is now reviewing every transaction to ensure future reports are accurate.

The issue comes as the candidate faces a competitive race for the open council seat. Opponents have seized on the report to question his judgment. Local campaign finance experts note that while mistakes happen, candidates must be diligent because even minor errors can damage public trust. The candidate plans to submit an amended report to the city clerk's office within the week.