A Republican congressional candidate in Texas is raising questions about whether the state’s open primary system may be allowing political crossovers that dilute the voice of GOP voters.
Alexander Hale, who is running to represent Texas’s 7th Congressional District, says he was surprised when he began researching fellow Republican candidate Alexander Kalai.
Hale said he discovered financial ties linking Kalai’s family to prominent Democrat figures.
“I was simply looking up my opponent’s information.
“And I saw on Transparency USA that his father had given [thousands] to Beto” and other top Democrats, Hale said, referring to former Democratic Party Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX).
O’Rourke ran unsuccessfully for both Senate and governor.
“And I thought, ‘well, that is super strange,’” Hale added.
Federal Election Commission filings show that Kalai’s family members have previously donated to Democrat candidates and organizations.
Open Primary Debate
Texas is one of 14 states that use an open primary system.
Under that structure, candidates do not have to be registered members of a party to run in that party’s primary.
Hale argues that the system may allow candidates who do not align with the Republican base to compete under the GOP banner.
“I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say, well, ‘shouldn’t we only have Republicans electing Republicans and Democrats only electing Democrats?’” Hale said.
He contends that open primaries could invite strategic maneuvering, especially in competitive districts.
Kalai’s Campaign and Funding
According to federal filings, Kalai’s campaign has raised approximately $182,000.
Of that amount, $134,000 has come from Kalai himself, which he lists as “self-employed.”
His campaign also received two $3,500 donations from his parents, Bashar and Grigitte Kalai, the maximum individual contribution allowed in a primary election.
Bashar Kalai, president and CEO of Houston-based Amerapex, has previously donated to Democrat causes.
Records show contributions to Beto O’Rourke, Hillary Clinton, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), the House Majority PAC, and other Democrat candidates.
Hale says those past contributions raise legitimate questions.
“I’d love to hear an explanation as to why someone comes out of the blue with all this blue money and says, ‘Hey, I’m a Republican. You’ve never heard of me. I’ve never voted in a primary, but I’m the Republican you need.’”
“It doesn’t make sense,” Hale said.
Kalai’s campaign website states he supports traditional Republican priorities, including school choice, protecting women’s sports, and deregulation to promote economic growth.
Kalai has not responded to the allegations about his positions.
Money and Messaging in Open Primaries
Hale also expressed concern about the role of personal wealth in primary elections.
“Money buys attention. In open primaries, we end up in a situation where whoever has the most money — it feels like whoever has the most money wins,” Hale said.
The Republican primary in Texas’s 7th District includes five candidates.
The winner will face incumbent Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) in November.
As the race heads toward Election Day, Hale’s criticism underscores a broader debate within the GOP about whether open primaries strengthen or weaken party integrity, especially in closely contested districts.
READ MORE – Jasmine Crockett Takes 12-Point Lead in Texas Democrat Senate Primary, New Poll Shows
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