Fort Worth’s Fox affiliate reports:
A Granbury city council candidate was arrested on Monday on accusations of possession of child pornography. Brad Benson, the Deputy Fire Marshal and small businessman was taken into custody on Monday morning. Benson faces two counts of possession of child pornography, a first degree felony.
“Based on the limited information available, it is our understanding that a serious sex related offense may be involved. If these allegations are true, there is no way the party would ever condone such activity,” said the Republican Party of Hood County in a statement.
“The Republican Party stands for the conservative, family values and the protection of children. These heinous acts are antithetical to what Republicans stand for. The executive committee has conferred, spoken with law enforcement, and unanimously withdraws their support for Mr. Benson.”
From his campaign site’s about page:
I am not your ordinary political candidate, however. Besides being a long time Granbury resident and business owner, I’m a genuine conservative, both fiscally and ideologically. That said, I am also a gay man with a partner of nearly 10 years. He’s as conservative as I am—both of us believing that private lives should remain private. I strongly believe that sexuality is a topic that should be handled within your own family, not in public schools or flaunted in parades.
My political beliefs are Conservative Republican. I believe in small and limited government, fiscal responsibility and accountability, and minimal obstacles to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. I’m a strong 2nd Amendment supporter, and believe all rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution shall not be infringed. Period. Government should work for the people, not control the people.
@TXforVaxChoice deleted their endorsement of accused child predator Brad Benson. No statement ? Just going to act like it didn’t happen ? Too bad Brad can’t remove posts from his FB page from jail. Took the pledge and everything. SMH pic.twitter.com/cunPzd5H0P
— Adrienne Quinn Martin (@MrsAMartini) November 7, 2023
Election Eve shocker in Texas: Granbury council candidate Brad Benson is arrested a day before his election, will face charges of possession of child porn. Hood County GOP says if it’s true there is “no way the party would ever condone such activity.” https://t.co/BmK8XH2cNW
— Bud Kennedy / #ReadLocal (@BudKennedy) November 7, 2023