Music Venue Alliance Endorses Texas Governor Without Consulting Members

The Music Venue Alliance of Texas claimed to represent over 800 venues in endorsing Greg Abbott, but many venues say they were not consulted.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Music Venue Alliance of Texas (MVA-T) endorsed Texas Governor Greg Abbott on his campaign website, claiming to represent over 800 music venues across the state. However, several venue owners listed as founding members of the alliance said they were never contacted or consulted about the endorsement, and were unaware their venues were considered part of the organization.

Why it matters

The endorsement of a political candidate by an industry group without the knowledge or consent of its members raises concerns about transparency and representation. Music venues have faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their support could be an important factor in elections, making it crucial that any political endorsements accurately reflect the views of the venues themselves.

The details

The MVA-T website listed only 30 member venues, including Austin staples like Antone's, Flamingo Cantina, Carousel Lounge, and Paramount Theatre. However, several of these venues said they were not aware they were part of the alliance or consulted about the endorsement. Carousel Lounge owner Nicky Mebane and Mohawk owner James Moody both stated they did not know their venues were considered members. The Paramount Theatre, which is now operated by a nonprofit, said it did not respond to requests for comment, as nonprofits are prohibited from making political endorsements.

  • On February 12, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott added the endorsement from the MVA-T to his campaign website.

The players

Greg Abbott

The current Governor of Texas who received an endorsement from the Music Venue Alliance of Texas.

Edwin Cabaniss

The co-founder and chairman of the Music Venue Alliance of Texas, who wrote the endorsement statement for Governor Abbott.

James Moody

The owner of Mohawk, a music venue in Austin, who was listed as a founding member of the MVA-T but said he was never contacted or asked about the endorsement.

Nicky Mebane

The owner of Carousel Lounge, an Austin music venue, who was unaware his venue was considered a member of the MVA-T or that the organization had endorsed Governor Abbott.

Graham Williams

The co-founder of Resound Presents, a booking company in Austin, who was listed as a member of the MVA-T but said he only remembered a Zoom call with the organization's leadership early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We weren't involved. I was never contacted or asked about it.”

— James Moody, Owner, Mohawk (The Austin Chronicle)

“I didn't realize they kept it going or [were] active.”

— Graham Williams, Co-founder, Resound Presents (The Austin Chronicle)

What’s next

The Music Venue Alliance of Texas has not responded to requests for comment about the endorsement and the lack of consultation with its purported member venues. It remains to be seen whether the organization will address the concerns raised by venue owners about the endorsement.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability for industry groups making political endorsements, especially on behalf of small businesses and organizations that have faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The music venue community in Austin and across Texas will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.