Courageous Conservatives PAC Fights Lawsuit as SLAPP Attack on Free Speech

The Courageous Conservatives Political Action Committee (PAC) is contesting a lawsuit filed by Rep. Pat Curry, which the organization characterizes as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) designed to stifle its political speech. The PAC, which advocates for conservative principles, asserts the legal action is an attempt to suppress free speech and the right to petition, and it has moved for dismissal under Texas law. Chris Ekstrom, Chairman of the Courageous Conservatives PAC, condemned the lawsuit as politically motivated, aimed at silencing accountability efforts regarding Rep. Curry's commitments to his constituents. The PAC has filed a motion to dismiss the suit under the Texas Citizens Participation Act, a statute that safeguards free speech, the right to petition, and freedom of association.

The communications central to the lawsuit involved texts and Facebook posts that were independent initiatives to promote civic engagement related to the election of the Texas House Speaker. Ekstrom underscored the legality of such political messaging, describing it as a cornerstone of democratic function in the American Republic. Rep. Curry's legal team submitted a response to the PAC's motion to dismiss, but according to Jerad Najvar of Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC, the response neglected the legal merits of the claims. Najvar highlighted the PAC's adherence to Texas law and disputed Curry's assertion that the PAC's speech was 'commercial' and thus not protected under the TCPA.

Ekstrom cautioned that public officials suing private citizens and organizations for encouraging civic participation sets a dangerous precedent. The PAC is not only seeking dismissal of the lawsuit but also attorney’s fees and sanctions, viewing the suit as frivolous and retaliatory. The hearing is set for June 6, 2025, in Waco, TX. The outcome may carry significant consequences for free speech and political accountability, emphasizing the need to protect First Amendment rights for individuals and organizations to address public issues. For more information on the Texas Citizens Participation Act, visit https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1441944/tcpa-guide.pdf. The case underscores ongoing debates about legal protections for political expression, as discussed in resources like https://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/free-speech-overview/.