Katy Padilla Stout’s campaign reports $4,300 in spending on cookies, liquor and Mexican food

Democratic nominee Katy Padilla Stout for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District reported spending over $4,300 on campaign‑related food and drink between March 30 and April 28, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

The breakdown includes a $675 payment for cookies on March 30, $1,289.22 for beer and wine purchased at Total Wine on April 21‑22, and $2,373.92 for catering from Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana on April 27‑28.

Republican challenger Brandon Herrera highlighted the expenses on his campaign website “The Real Katy Stout,” labeling the purchases as evidence that Stout is using donor funds for personal catering. The site specifically points to the $675 cookie expense, describing it as a misuse of “other people’s money.”

Stout responded that the expenditures were intended for campaign and fundraising events that were attended by supporters. In a statement to Fox News Digital, she said the items were bought to “support small businesses” and to provide refreshments at voter‑focused gatherings.

The filings show the payments were split into two transactions for each vendor. Total Wine received $1,089.08 on April 21 and $200.14 on April 22, both listed as “BEER AND WINE.” Las Guitarras Cocina Mexicana was paid $2,027.52 on April 27 and $346.40 on April 28, both recorded as “CATERING.” The cookie purchase was recorded as “COOKIES FOR EVENT” and paid to Denise Gamboa via Zelle.

Election officials have not determined that the expenditures violate campaign finance rules, and the FEC filings do not indicate any personal use. The controversy emerges as the candidates vie for a seat representing a district that stretches from the San Antonio area to El Paso, with early voting set to begin Oct 19 and Election Day on Nov 3.

Stout’s campaign also faces scrutiny from a recent debate in which she apologized for a remark referring to Herrera’s online videos that mocked Nazis, an episode that drew additional media attention. The campaign continues to focus on issues such as border security, immigration, and economic affordability while navigating the fundraising spotlight.