Commitment to Transparency

BYLAWS OF THE HOUSTON FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN
(Effective as of March 20th, 2025)

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.1 – Name

The campaign's official name shall be Houston for Congress (hereinafter referred to as “the Campaign”).

Section 1.2 – Purpose

The Campaign is established to support Christopher Leon Houston in their candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 18 of the State of Texas. The Campaign shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations set forth by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the State of Texas.

ARTICLE II: FUNDING SOURCES

Section 2.1 – Prohibition of Corporate Contributions

The Campaign shall not accept donations, contributions, or in-kind support from corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), labor unions, or any other entity prohibited by FEC regulations.

Section 2.2 – Limitation on Political Action Committee (PAC) Contributions

The Campaign shall not accept donations from super PACs, corporate PACs, or any PAC affiliated with corporate interests. Contributions from individual-focused PACs may be accepted, provided they align with the Campaign’s values and commitment to grassroots support.

Section 2.3 – Individual Contributions

The Campaign shall prioritize and encourage contributions from individual donors, ensuring that grassroots support remains the primary financial backbone of the effort. All contributions shall comply with the individual donation limits set forth by the FEC.

Section 2.4 – Compliance with FEC Regulations

All contributions, expenditures, and financial disclosures shall be managed in accordance with FEC regulations. The Campaign shall maintain proper records and submit all required financial reports promptly and accurately.

ARTICLE III: COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY

Section 3.1 – Public Disclosure of Contributions

The Campaign shall regularly disclose a list of all donors contributing above the legally required threshold, as mandated by FEC regulations.

Section 3.2 – Expenditure Reporting

The Campaign shall provide periodic reports on its website or through official communication channels outlining how funds are allocated, ensuring campaign operations transparency.

Section 3.3 – Ethical Fundraising Practices

The Campaign shall not engage in deceptive, misleading, or coercive fundraising tactics. All fundraising efforts shall be conducted with integrity, honesty, and in compliance with applicable laws.

ARTICLE IV: OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Section 4.1 – Campaign Leadership and Structure

The Campaign shall be led by a designated campaign manager, treasurer, and other key personnel as needed. Each leadership team member shall oversee their respective duties and ensure compliance with FEC regulations.

Section 4.2 – Volunteer and Staff Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers shall adhere to ethical conduct, professionalism, and respect in their interactions with the public, media, and other political entities.

Section 4.3 – Conflict of Interest Policy

Any campaign staff, consultants, or affiliates must disclose potential conflicts of interest, including financial ties to organizations or entities that may influence the Campaign’s policies or decisions.

ARTICLE V: DECORUM AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Section 5.1 – Public Engagement and Communication

All official campaign communications, including statements made by staff and volunteers on behalf of the Campaign, shall reflect integrity, honesty, and respect for all individuals and groups.

Section 5.2 – Non-Discrimination Policy

The Campaign shall not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected category in its hiring practices, volunteer recruitment, or public interactions.

Section 5.3 – Commitment to Civil Discourse

The Campaign shall promote respectful and constructive political discourse, avoiding personal attacks, defamatory remarks, or inflammatory rhetoric in all campaign-related communications.

ARTICLE VI: UTILIZATION OF FUNDING

Section 6.1 – Permissible Uses of Campaign Funds

Campaign funds shall be used exclusively for legitimate campaign-related expenses, including but not limited to:

• Staff salaries

• Advertising and outreach

• Event organization

• Travel expenses related to campaign activities

• Voter education efforts

Section 6.2 – Prohibited Uses of Campaign Funds

Campaign funds shall not be used for personal expenses, gifts, or any other purpose prohibited by FEC regulations. Any expenditure deemed inappropriate shall be promptly reviewed and rectified.

Section 6.3 – Financial Oversight

The Campaign Treasurer shall oversee financial transactions and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines. Regular audits shall be conducted to maintain financial accountability.

ARTICLE VII: TERMS OF ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION

Section 7.1 – Public Accessibility

The Campaign shall provide reasonable access to campaign materials, policy positions, and events to members of the public, subject to security and logistical considerations.

Section 7.2 – Press and Media Engagement

The Campaign shall engage with the media in a transparent and professional manner. The designated media liaison shall coordinate interview requests, press releases, and official statements.

Section 7.3 – Accessibility for All Constituents

The Campaign shall strive to make all campaign events, materials, and resources accessible to individuals with disabilities and those requiring special accommodations.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 8.1 – Procedure for Amendments

These bylaws may be amended as necessary by a majority vote of the Campaign’s leadership team, provided the proposed changes align with FEC regulations and the Campaign’s core principles. The Candidate, Christopher Houston, retains the right to override the Campaign's leadership team's vote if said amendment threatens the integrity, transparency, purpose, and/or the wishes of the constituents of District 18 of Texas.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION

Section 9.1 – Disposition of Funds

Upon conclusion of the Campaign, any remaining funds shall be distributed in accordance with FEC regulations, which may include refunding donors, donating to charitable organizations, or transferring funds to an appropriate political or party committee.

Section 9.2 – Record Retention

All financial and operational records shall be retained for the period required by law and made available for any required audits or reviews.