Campaign Merch Store: Here’s How to Tell If It’s Official
Stores raise questions in Texas
Attaxion examined online domains connected to Texas’s U.S. Senate and governor races, along with six competitive congressional districts. Researchers also reviewed sites resembling election offices and voter information pages.
The company identified 30 merchandise stores presenting themselves as official shops for candidates including Ken Paxton, James Talarico, Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa. Researchers could not verify that any of the 30 were operated by campaigns.
An unofficial domain is not necessarily fraudulent. It may belong to a supporter, critic or independent business, or it may not host an active website.
Two sellers behind many sites
Attaxion linked most of the stores to two seller identities: ShirtGoat and madetoprints. ShirtGoat appeared to run 12 stores and may have been connected to two more; madetoprints was associated with 15.
Researchers said the sites shared templates and sometimes reused policies with only a candidate’s name changed. Some also used slogans found on official campaign products. Several domains were registered on the same day.
One store, kenpaxtonstore.com, displayed a badge stating “100% Official” and used a logo resembling a campaign logo. Attaxion could not verify a campaign connection, and the Paxton campaign told Fox News Digital it had no affiliation with the site.
Checks before buying
Start at a candidate’s verified website or social media account, and see whether it links directly to the store. Shoppers can also look for clear information about who runs the business and whether sales proceeds support the campaign.
A professional design or an “official” label does not establish that a store is authorized. Unclear ownership, copied-looking policies or details that differ from a candidate’s verified pages are reasons to be cautious.
If you are unsure, contact the campaign using information from its verified website and ask whether it runs or endorses the store. Researchers also cited nearly 1,000 domains using candidates’, parties’ or government entities’ names during the 2024 election cycle.
Key points
- Attaxion found 30 Texas campaign merchandise stores it could not verify as campaign-operated.
- Many of the stores appeared linked to ShirtGoat or madetoprints.
- A store’s design or “official” label does not prove campaign authorization.
- Check a candidate’s verified pages or contact the campaign before purchasing.