Texas Tech Board Chair Donated to Paxton Before Intervention

Texas Tech University System Board of Regents Chair, J. Michael Lewis, contributed $1,000 to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign on September 15, 2025. This donation occurred prior to Paxton's office intervening in a dispute concerning the university's football program. The intervention involved an investigation into allegations of improper conduct by former head football coach Joey McGuire.

Paxton's office initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding McGuire's departure, which included reviewing communications and contracts related to his employment and subsequent exit. The Texas Attorney General's office stated its role was to ensure compliance with state laws and university policies. Lewis's donation was made through his law firm, Lewis & Lewis, P.C., according to campaign finance records filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

The intervention by the Attorney General's office followed public discussions and internal deliberations at Texas Tech regarding the football program's leadership. McGuire was initially suspended by the university following allegations of recruiting violations. The situation drew significant attention from alumni and the broader sports community. Lewis, as chair of the Board of Regents, holds a significant leadership position within the Texas Tech University System.

Campaign finance reports indicate that Lewis has been a consistent donor to Republican candidates in Texas. The $1,000 contribution to Paxton's campaign in September 2025 places it within the period leading up to the Attorney General's office taking an active role in the Texas Tech football matter. The exact nature of the intervention and its impact on the resolution of the coach dispute remain subjects of ongoing interest.