Texas Runoff Candidates Work to Connect Opponents to TikTok

Even before a new federal law banned TikTok unless it severs ties with its Beijing-based parent company, some Texas House Republicans tried to link their opponents to the app, citing Jeff Yass, a major TikTok investor, as a donor to their rivals. Yass, who owns 7% of ByteDance, donated to Gov. Greg Abbott's effort to defeat House Republicans who opposed "school choice" (vouchers) legislation. This has led to attacks on candidates like House Speaker Dade Phelan, who released an ad calling his opponent a "puppet for...Pennsylvania TikTok investors." Rep. John Keumpel and Dade Phelan have also referenced the Yass-TikTok connection without naming Yass. Rep. Justin Holland has been more direct, accusing Yass of turning "young people away from America and Israel."

The federal TikTok ban, signed by President Joe Biden, is part of a $95.3 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Supporters claim it's necessary as TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party and threatens national security. Texas Rep. Michael McCaul called TikTok a "spy balloon in Americans' phones." The ban gives TikTok 9 months to sell or be blocked from US web hosting services.

The TikTok debate divides US politics. Texas Gov. Abbott banned TikTok from state devices in Feb 2023, and 15+ GOP governors followed. Biden also banned it from federal devices. Trump, in a Truth Social post, opposed a ban, arguing it would benefit Facebook. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Hays County) said Trump is "wrong" on this issue.

Texas GOP operatives question tying Yass to TikTok as a winning strategy in runoffs, citing Trump, Abbott, and other endorsements as more decisive factors for voters.

Original article: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2024-05-03/texas-runoff-candidates-work-connect-opponents-tiktok/7036398002/