Dr. Matthews alleges Judge Curvey used campaign funds to hire operative to target critics
HOUSTON, TX — Dr. Matthews held a press conference outside the Harris County Civil Courthouse announcing plans to file judicial complaints against Judge Damiane Curvey, alleging the judge used campaign funds to hire political operative Aubrey Taylor after he publicly targeted Dr. Matthews and other Harris County citizens who criticized her.
During the press conference, Dr. Matthews presented campaign finance records showing payments totaling $7,750 to Aubrey Taylor Communications in December 2025. According to Dr. Matthews, Taylor publicly criticized her and Harris County court watchers on multiple occasions before the payments were made.
According to records presented by Dr. Matthews, Judge Curvey's campaign paid Aubrey Taylor Communications $5,000 on Dec. 11, 2025, and an additional $2,750 on Dec. 22, 2025. Dr. Matthews alleged the payments were made after Taylor had already begun publicly attacking her and other citizens involved in judicial accountability efforts.
Dr. Matthews announced plans to file a judicial complaint alleging Judge Curvey improperly used campaign funds against citizens who publicly criticized her and monitored court proceedings. She also questioned whether a conflict existed because Taylor later became involved in matters connected to Judge Curvey's court.
In addition to the campaign finance allegations, Dr. Matthews announced plans to file complaints alleging Judge Curvey improperly coached a pro se litigant from the bench. During the press conference, Dr. Matthews displayed court transcripts and alleged the records show Judge Curvey providing assistance and guidance to the litigant during court proceedings.
Dr. Matthews also alleged Judge Curvey continued to take action in a case while a recusal review was pending. According to Dr. Matthews, Administrative Judge Susan Brown later recused Judge Curvey from that matter.
The press conference also focused on protective orders signed by Judge Curvey. Dr. Matthews alleged the judge signed a protective order connected to an individual involved in a February protest organized by Dr. Matthews and her supporters. She further questioned why another protective order was signed after a separate matter had already been referred for recusal review.
Attorney Justice, who spoke alongside Dr. Matthews, criticized a protective order filed against her and argued the filing lacked sufficient factual support. She stated that Dr. Matthews notified law enforcement before the protest and that participants were exercising their constitutional right to peacefully demonstrate on a public sidewalk. Justice questioned why the matter resulted in a protective order months after the protest occurred and argued the allegations contained in the filing did not justify the action.
Dr. Matthews said campaign finance records, court filings and court transcripts would be submitted as evidence supporting the complaints.
Judge Curvey has not publicly responded to the allegations raised during the press conference.
