By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
Yellow signs bearing the message “MAGA Loves Pedos” have appeared in front of Republican campaign displays in parts of Collin County, sparking a dispute over whether the signs violate election law or constitute protected political speech.
Photographs reviewed by TX3DNews show the yellow signs placed directly in front of yard signs for Congressman Keith Self, former State Representative Frederick Frazier, and State Representative Keresa Richardson.
Republican leaders have called the displays illegal political sabotage, while Democratic officials argue that removing them would violate the First Amendment. It remains unclear who printed or placed the signs.
GOP Chair: Signs “Political Sabotage”
In an email sent to supporters, Collin County Republican Party Chairman Byron Henry described the signs as “cowardly acts” and “political sabotage,” arguing they were intended to smear Republican candidates and mislead voters.
“These cowardly acts are nothing short of political sabotage and outright lies,” Henry wrote, calling the signs “inflammatory” and urging supporters to report them “so they can be removed promptly.”
Henry also suggested that “desperate opponents, likely Democrats or their allies,” were behind the signs, though he did not provide evidence to support that claim.
The email encouraged Republicans to respond by turning out to vote during early voting and at the March 3 primary.
Keresa Richardson echoed the assertion that the signs are illegal in a social media post and indicated authorities would be removing them. As of publication, no public confirmation of removal had been provided by the Sheriff’s Office or municipal officials.
TX3DNews has asked Henry what proof he has to support his claim regarding Democratic involvement and has also requested clarification on the specific legal authority under which removal would occur. Requests for comment were sent to Sheriff Jim Skinner and Congressman Keith Self; no responses had been received as of publication.
Democratic Party: Removal Would Be “Unconstitutional”
John Stafford of the Plano Area Democrats told TX3DNews his group was not involved in placing the signs, though he said he found them “hilarious.”
In a separate formal statement, Collin County Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Sutka rejected claims that the signs are unlawful and argued that any removal by law enforcement would violate the First Amendment.
“The First Amendment protects the right of every American to express their political views, even when those views are uncomfortable or offensive to those in power,” Sutka said.
He added, “Sheriff Skinner’s threat to have his department remove these signs is a blatant and unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment. Government officials do not have the authority to seize or remove political speech simply because they find the message distasteful or because it targets their political allies.”
Sutka said the Democratic Party “has not and does not condone vandalism or the destruction of campaign signs,” but maintained that government removal of lawful political expression would constitute suppression.
In his statement, Sutka also linked the signs to ongoing national disputes surrounding the release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein and criticized Republican leaders in that context.
He concluded, “Freedom of speech is not a convenience to be invoked only when it serves your side. It is a constitutional right that protects all of us.”
Candidates Respond: Call for Civility and Free Speech
Evan Hunt, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’ 3rd District, distanced himself from the tactic while acknowledging voter frustration.
“Although I understand people’s frustration,” Hunt wrote, “I believe the path to victory for Democrats is rooted in being peaceful and patriotic, welcoming and forgiving, and loud and proud.”
Hunt added that he believes “the only thing more powerful than hate is love,” emphasizing that political change should come through engagement rather than escalation.
Mark Newgent, a Republican challenging Keith Self in the GOP primary for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, said he has not personally observed the signs but took a broader First Amendment view.
“If you are running for public office, you will be criticized, and it’s people’s First Amendment rights to criticize politicians,” Newgent told TX3DNews.
What the Law Says
The First Amendment protects political speech, including speech that many may consider offensive.
Legal questions involving campaign signs typically center on placement rules and compliance with political advertising disclosure requirements under Texas Election Code § 255.001. The law generally requires political advertising to include a disclosure identifying who paid for it, with limited exceptions.
Disclosure violations are most often handled as civil matters through the Texas Ethics Commission rather than as criminal offenses.
Authority to remove signs generally depends on whether they are placed in public right-of-way, violate local ordinances, or interfere with other property.
As of publication, it is not confirmed whether any agency has ordered removal of the yellow signs.
Outstanding Questions
No individual or organization has publicly claimed responsibility for the signs, and no law enforcement agency has confirmed taking enforcement action as of publication.
TX3DNews has requested comment from Byron Henry, Congressman Keith Self, and Sheriff Jim Skinner and will update this story if responses are received.
Early voting for the March primary is underway.
Editor’s Note (Feb. 24, 2026): After publication, Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner responded to TX3DNews stating that his office has not received complaints regarding the signs and that he has not made any threat to remove them. We will be publishing a follow-up story with additional details.
Will do my best to get this trash removed from ND.
Well, they’re not wrong.
So.. this is ok to deface signs with also accuasations. What kind of news form are you,, liberal leaning it’s plain to see.