Sugar Land, Texas – The tranquil neighborhoods of Fort Bend County have been recently disturbed by the sudden appearance of political signs and an onslaught of campaign materials proclaiming “Javed for Commissioner.” Residents are left scratching their heads, wondering about the origins of this campaign and the man behind it – Abrahim Javed, a 24-year-old recent college graduate with no discernible real-world experience. What’s even more perplexing is the revelation that he relocated from Beaumont to Fort Bend County just weeks before the filing deadline for the upcoming primary elections.
Questions about the legitimacy of Javed’s candidacy have sparked a fervent debate, with allegations ranging from residency violations to potential legal repercussions. Public records reveal that Mr. Javed acquired a new driver’s license with a Fort Bend address in October, strategically aligning with the imminent filing deadline. However, Texas Election Code Section 141.001 stipulates that a candidate must have continuously resided in the state for 12 months and in the territory from which the office is elected for six months immediately preceding the filing deadline.
Doubts about the accuracy of Javed’s provided addresses further compound the controversy. His “Appointment of Treasurer” form, submitted on September 25, 2023, indicates an address linked to local political operative Haroon Mougal, a figure with a history of Texas Ethics Commission investigations. Adding to the complexity, public records from Javed’s previous residence in Jefferson County show he was still registered to vote there as of September 2023, raising concerns about his compliance with residency requirements.
In addition to these concerns, Javed is currently under scrutiny by the Texas Ethics Commission (case number SC-32309260) for alleged violations related to failing to file a treasurer appointment and knowingly accepting campaign contributions without a valid treasurer appointment. The controversy and scrutiny resulted into Javed withdrawing his application for candidacy for democratic county commissioner in precinct 3 of Fort Bend County on December 7, 2023.
The saga deepens with revelations about Javed’s father, Muhammad Tahir Javed, who carries a history of felony convictions. Court records document Tahir Javed’s five-year deferred probation sentence for felony theft, followed by a five-year term of which he served only half. Tahir Javed’s business ventures, including an online tobacco business called Royal Smoke LLC, received warnings and government intervention from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2017.
The FDA issued a warning letter to Tahir Javed, stating, “FDA has determined that Royal Smoke products are misbranded…because you sold these products to persons under 18 years of age.” The letter additionally cautioned against labeling and advertising practices outside the scope of the law, threatening criminal prosecution if corrective measures were not taken. Tahir Javed, who describes himself as a Pakistani American entrepreneur, investor, business magnate, and philanthropist on social media, faced challenges in the political arena as well. In 2018, he contested the US Primary Elections to represent Texas District 29 in Congress but was defeated by veteran Democrat candidate Sylvia Garcia.
Notably, Muhammad Tahir Javed initially announced his candidacy for the Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Position before his son, Abrahim Javed, entered the political arena. However, Tahir Javed withdrew from the race amid a Texas Ethics Commission investigation (case SC 32306211). During that time, he was appointed to a government post by the interim caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, an appointment swiftly revoked due to Tahir Javed’s failure to disclose his extensive criminal history. Efforts were made to influence the Jefferson County Clerk’s office to provide an unverified and unsubstantiated letter to the Government of Pakistan falsely claiming Tahir Javed had no criminal history.
Fort Bend County residents now find themselves engulfed in a myriad of concerns. The dubious history of the Javed family, encompassing allegations of criminal activities and ethical lapses, raises crucial questions about the integrity of the political process in Fort Bend County. The residency status of Abrahim Javed, coupled with ongoing Texas Ethics Commission investigations, has intensified scrutiny on the “Javed for Commissioner” campaign.
As the primary elections loom closer, the community was left grappling with the question: Is Fort Bend County up for sale? Will officials ensure that only eligible and legitimate candidates participate in the electoral process? The potential repercussions of these allegations on the trust and confidence of Fort Bend County residents in their local government remain uncertain, as they navigate the unfolding controversy surrounding the Javed family’s incursion into local politics. The intersection of criminal history, investigations, and questionable activities has Fort Bend County on high alert, demanding transparency and accountability in its democratic processes. While Javed has withdrawn his application, will he be persistent with this decision or try other means to apply for candidacy?
