Sands Corp. Faces Major Setback as Texas Primary Candidates Lose Big

In the recent Texas primary elections, candidates backed by the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and its owner Miriam Adelson suffered heavy losses at the polls. The company spent $10 million in races, with Adelson pitching in another $10 million, according to reports. Despite this significant investment, Sands-backed candidates faced substantial defeats.

State Rep. David Lowe (Dallas area) beat Sands-funded candidate Kyle Morris, who received $140,000 but lost by 27 points. Similarly, State Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson (Galveston) defeated Mont Belvieu City Manager Nathan Watkins, who received $110,000 but lost by 25 points. Additionally, Cheryl Bean won an open house seat in Tarrant County, despite Sands funding her opponent.

The election losses come as the Texas House has supported some gambling bills in recent years, only to see them die in the Senate. Despite these setbacks, Sands remains undeterred. The company has vowed to continue backing candidates that would support gaming interests in the coming years. “Our mission remains unchanged: Trust Texas voters,” Sands Senior Vice President of Government Relations Andy Abboud noted after Tuesday’s results.