Activist Aims to Transform Texas County Ahead of 2026 Elections

Malcolm Tanner, an activist and self-identified 2028 presidential candidate, has relocated to a Texas county known for its Republican leanings. He is offering free housing to supporters, hoping to reshape the local political landscape in favor of, as he puts it, “hot people” like himself.

Tanner has ambitious plans to overhaul the government of Loving County by the time the midterm elections roll around in 2026. He has been vocal about his intention to eliminate “corruption” in this predominantly white, oil-rich county. Reports indicate that he has already garnered significant support online, with thousands of followers on various platforms.

According to Sheriff David Landersman, who also serves as the local registrar of voters, a number of Tanner’s associates are now registered voters in Loving County. There’s been a notable increase in new residents, with some estimates suggesting almost half of the county’s small population of 64 have arrived recently.

“It’s not common to see someone like me come into a county and take it over,” Tanner stated in a TikTok video from July. He expressed confidence that he would secure positions on the local board come election time, mentioning aspirations for his daughter to become a county judge.

A claim from someone identified as Tanner’s legal advisor dismissed the notion of a “takeover plot” in Loving County after the Daily Caller News Foundation reached out for comments. Tanner later confirmed that construction on new homes began in January.

Factors like low crime have made Loving County appealing to those fleeing urban environments, Tanner noted, citing a desire for peace and safety as key motivators for newcomers.

Describing himself as an “American entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, and federal politician,” Tanner hails from South Bend, Indiana. He claims to juggle fatherhood with his ambitions and is the single father of 11 children.

In a bid to gain more community support, Tanner urged followers to join a presidential steering group on the app Clubhouse for the chance to obtain free housing. He owns multiple properties in the county and has faced challenges, such as the destruction of some homes he intended to develop for supporters.

Loving County’s officials have not responded to requests for comment on Tanner’s activities and the potential political shifts. In August, Tanner filed a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, claiming they unlawfully entered his property and disrupted his plans without just cause.

He is seeking significant damages, arguing that these actions reflect hostility to his political goals. Tanner also claimed that some residents felt pressured enough to contact the FBI regarding alleged harassment, suggesting that local law enforcement can sometimes act against community members’ interests.

Expressing his broader political aspirations, Tanner stated that, should he win the presidency, he would implement a plan to provide financial support to the Black community, a point he emphasized during a recent Q&A session.

Loving County has historically leaned Republican, recently voting overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in the last election. However, recent legal challenges in local politics have begun to challenge that historical trend.

Tanner asserts that he is focused on creating a better life for those who choose to join him in Loving County, emphasizing that his vision is about creating a peaceful community.