Swamp Culture… It’s Not Just Gio

July 26, 2025

A commentary by Julie & Fred McCarty, founders of True Texas Project

At a Passion Conference in 1997, I heard Dave Busby paraphrase Isaiah 6, and I’ve never forgotten it.  “Oh no!  I’m a man of unclean lips, but I’ve got bigger problems than that… it’s all my neighbors too!”

That verse resonates with me today as I examine the Texas State House.

How can God bless Texas with the office holders we put into place?  Yeah, we’ve all heard the latest about State Rep Giovanni Capriglione.  He’s my State Rep.  I helped elect him, and I’ve done all I can since then to get rid of him.  Thankfully he took his own trash out as his secret life became public and he had to walk away in shame.

Maybe we’ve become numb to elected representatives and their extra-marital affairs, but Gio went much further than “merely” cheating on his wife.  His affair lasted 17 years (starting when the mistress was just 19), included multiple abortions, and included really gross, pedophilic fantasies.  The news has his NE Tarrant district reeling, not to mention the entire state of Texas.  It’s pretty bad, and as more comes to light, it just keeps getting worse.

We all love to hear the dirty laundry, and of course we all desire to oust those defiling our legislature, but we risk becoming numb to it… or worse, throwing up our arms in defeat.  (And don’t even get me started on those who say it’s none of our business and we should simply pray for them).

As we look at Gio’s death spiral, it’s important to look back and remember when it’s been other names in the spotlight.  Why?  Because doing so will call out some interesting double-standards, as well as highlight just how prevalent deviant behavior among our elected representatives is.  Should they not be held to a consistent and higher standard?

(Here’s a pdf of the above list for easier reading).

That’s just a partial list, and it barely scratches the surface.  Are we to resign ourselves to the belief that all politicians are bad and there’s nothing we can do?

Or is it time for good people to rise up?

I know, I know… we say that all the time.  “Where are the pastors?  Where are the church leaders?  Why don’t good people step up to run for office?”  Of course… we never include ourselves in those numbers.

And for many of us, running for office isn’t the answer anyway.  We are not suited for it.  We don’t have the reputation, skill set, and/or financing to be successful.  Does that mean we’re off the hook?  No.

We can:

• Recruit others for office. We all have a circle of influence.  Who do you know that could be prepped for a run?  Who is in your church?  Your civic group?  Your office? It doesn’t have to be a career move for them to run for city council or school board, but if they do serve there and do it well, it can become a farm team for State Rep candidates.
• Help campaign for good people. We’re all busy.  That’s no excuse.  We must blockwalk, make calls, talk them up in our circles, work the polls.
• No, we can’t beat the Establishment’s money, but we can still chip in, and that, combined with our volunteer efforts, can often make the difference.
• Learn how to vet candidates. We offer advice on this!  Use it!  Don’t vote for the most popular candidate.  Meet them.  Interview them.  Dig in.  Get them to commit to your requirements and earn your vote.  Don’t put them on pedestals.  Build a relationship, but remember:  YOU are the boss.
• Don’t shy away from the truth. Is it easy to talk about the vile things Giovanni has done?    But if people don’t know what their Representatives are doing, how can they be outraged enough to not vote for them again?
• Get involved with organizations like True Texas Project so that you can be the most informed citizen possible. Then use your knowledge to influence those who refuse to study up.

We get the government we deserve.  Demand more… and get more.