Texas Attorney General Sues Leader of Group Over Alleged Political Takeover Plot

MENTONE, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Malcolm Tanner, leader of the Melanated People of Power, accusing him of attempting to illegally take over the government of Loving County. The lawsuit, filed Monday in state district court, also seeks a temporary restraining order to stop Tanner and his followers from expanding their encampment on a remote property in far West Texas.

According to the filing, the state requests that Tanner “be enjoined from allowing any person to move on to, reside, or otherwise establish habitation or domicile on the property.”

Encampment Raises Health and Safety Concerns

Prosecutors allege Tanner violated Texas health and safety codes when members of his organization set up a camp without proper sanitation or sewer systems. The group has been living in RVs and tents on two five-acre parcels about 30 minutes from Mentone, the only city in Loving County.

“The majority of the individuals living on the property were enticed by his promise of ‘free’ homes and moved from out of state,” the lawsuit said. Instead of homes, residents allegedly found themselves living in recreational vehicles lacking running water, waste disposal, or reliable electricity.

The state’s complaint also claims that residents who fail to make payments or perform work for Tanner are evicted from the property.

Allegations of Fraud and Threats

Paxton’s office accused Tanner of violating multiple state laws, including the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and a statute against making terroristic threats. The lawsuit asserts that Tanner “threatened violence against law enforcement and oil field workers” and ran a “fraudulent plot” designed to enrich himself.

“Indiana resident Malcolm Tanner has no right to try and take over Loving County with illegal schemes that endanger real Texans,” Paxton said in a statement. “His deceptive and unlawful scheme to lure people with free housing for the purpose of conducting a political takeover is a disgustingly fraudulent plot to line his own pockets.”

Effort to Seize Political Control

Tanner, who lives in Indiana, began promoting his plan on social media earlier this year after purchasing land in Loving County. In a July TikTok video, he declared, “When these elections hit in 2026, we’re going to wipe the board. Everybody that I selected will be elected.”

About three dozen of Tanner’s supporters have tried to register to vote in the county, using a shared P.O. Box address. Sheriff Dave Landersman, who also serves as the voter registrar, said that while some applications were rejected, around a dozen were accepted.

With roughly 70 residents, Loving County is the least-populated county in the United States, making it particularly vulnerable to small groups seeking to influence elections.

The lawsuit marks the first official legal action following weeks of public concern and media attention surrounding Tanner’s activities in Loving County.