Reported by James Bickerton

(Excerpt featured below. To read full report, go to: https://www.newsweek.com/texas-judge-switches-gop-after-being-charged-money-laundering-2087822)

Ford Bend County Judge KP George, who is currently facing charges over alleged money laundering and misrepresentation of identity, has announced his defection from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.

Newsweek contacted George, one of his attorneys and both the Texas Democrats and Republican Party of Texas for comment via email or online inquiry form. We are yet to receive a response but this story will be updated if we do.

Why It Matters

George’s defection means the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court in Texas now contains three Republicans and two Democrats, a reversal of the previous situation.

Despite their name, Commissioner Courts are legislative and administrative bodies that have influence over a range of subjects in the county including its budget, infrastructure and electoral districts.

What To Know

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, George said he was joining the Republican Party after concluding “the Democratic Party has embraced a corrupt and radical ideology” with “its positions no longer reflecting the values of Fort Bend County families, small businesses [and] also hardworking residents.”

By contrast, George said the GOP was the party of “faith, family and freedom” adding: “I chose a side, and it turned out to be the wrong place, and I’m fixing that.” He added he plans to stand for reelection in 2026 as a Republicancandidate.

George has been charged with money laundering between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Prosecutors allege the laundering was campaign finance fraud and took place between January 12, 2019, and April 22, 2019.