Introduction to Loving County
Loving County is a wind-whipped stretch of land in rural West Texas, home to just 64 people and a single tiny town, Mentone. The county is both the least-populated in the continental U.S. and among the richest, thanks to its location atop the Permian Basin and a flood of oil and gas revenue.
Attempted Political Takeover
Loving County has now emerged as the surprise site of an attempted political takeover, capturing the attention of elected leaders. An Indiana man, Malcolm Tanner, is trying to wrest control of the county government, offering people a free house and a $5,000 monthly stipend if they move to his 10 acres outside Mentone and register to vote.
Roadblock to Tanner’s Plan
On Thursday, Tanner’s plan hit a roadblock. A state district judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking anyone from moving to or living on the land, citing public health concerns. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sought the order, called Tanner a “two-bit charlatan attempting to defraud people.” “The show is over,” Paxton said in a statement. “A court has ordered that this illegal and deceptive political sham must come to an immediate end.”
<img loading="lazy" style="aspect-ratio:1024 / 692" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 830px, (min-width: 768px) 66.66vw, 60vw" srcset="https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIAEZINTB272FYIM6GZBLJCDN4.jpg?auth=fd72cef0668692943490054b642f959674689f22212ea151b1d70a0946a82552&quality=80&width=250 250w, https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIAEZINTB272FYIM6GZBLJCDN4.jpg?auth=fd72cef0668692943490054b642f959674689f22212ea151b1d70a0946a82552&quality=80&width=430 430w, https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIAEZINTB272FYIM6GZBLJCDN4.jpg?auth=fd72cef0668692943490054b642f959674689f22212ea151b1d70a0946a82552&quality=80&width=830 830w" class="dmnc_images-modern-image-module__QFaG- max-w-full h-auto text-white dmnc_images-modern-image-module__9Zlll bg-gray-light object-contain" width="1024" height="692" src="https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIAEZINTB272FYIM6GZBLJCDN4.jpg?auth=fd72cef0668692943490054b642f959674689f22212ea151b1d70a0946a82552&quality=80&width=830" alt="Texas highway 302 east of Mentone in Loving County, Tex. on February 17, 2011. Loving County, situated east of the Pecos River and south of the New Mexico line, is the least populous county in Texas."
Texas highway 302 east of Mentone in Loving County, Tex. on February 17, 2011. Loving County, situated east of the Pecos River and south of the New Mexico line, is the least populous county in Texas.
Sonya N. Hebert/Staff Photograph
Tanner’s Vision and Response
Tanner did not immediately respond to an email from The Dallas Morning News. On social media, where he has tens of thousands of followers, he said he would comply with the order. “I came to Loving County with a simple vision: to build homes, to build community, and to live under the rights that faith grants and the Constitution protects,” Tanner wrote. “I believed, as every American has the right to believe, that land purchased lawfully could be used lawfully, that families could live in peace, and that children could grow in safety.”
Purchase of Land and Promotion of Plan
Tanner purchased 10 acres in January of this year, according to court documents, and began promoting his plan on social media to handpick candidates and elect leaders to run Loving County. Such a move would place them in control of the county’s annual $60 million budget. Surrounded by unpaved roads, Tanner’s property lacks running water, sewage access and has only limited electricity. No houses have been built so far. Dozens of people, many of whom are Black women and children, are living in RVs and tents, according to Paxton’s lawsuit and photographs posted online.
Living Conditions and Population
It is not clear how many people are living at the encampment, but media reports have suggested roughly three dozen people have moved there. Tanner previously said on Facebook that he wanted to change the name of Loving County to Tanner County and run for president in 2028.
Allegations Against Tanner
In addition to alleging the encampment poses a public health risk, Paxton has argued that Tanner and his followers are engaging in illegal activity, such as making terroristic threats to local law enforcement and oil field workers, and deceptive trade practices. “Texas is for Texans,” Paxton said in his statement Thursday, “not out-of-state grifters trying to steal political power from the people who live here.”
Upcoming Hearing
A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for Oct. 31.
Conclusion
The attempted takeover of Loving County by Malcolm Tanner has been met with resistance from Texas authorities, who have cited public health concerns and alleged illegal activities. The situation remains uncertain, with a hearing scheduled for October 31. As the story unfolds, it will be important to monitor the developments and their impact on the community.
FAQs
Q: Who is Malcolm Tanner and what is his plan for Loving County?
A: Malcolm Tanner is an Indiana man who has purchased 10 acres of land in Loving County, Texas, and is attempting to take control of the county government by offering people a free house and a $5,000 monthly stipend if they move to his land and register to vote.
Q: What are the concerns about Tanner’s plan?
A: Texas authorities have cited public health concerns and alleged illegal activities, such as making terroristic threats to local law enforcement and oil field workers, and deceptive trade practices.
Q: What is the current status of Tanner’s plan?
A: A state district judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking anyone from moving to or living on the land, and a hearing is scheduled for October 31.
Q: How many people are currently living on Tanner’s property?
A: It is not clear how many people are living at the encampment, but media reports have suggested roughly three dozen people have moved there.
Q: What is the annual budget of Loving County?
A: The annual budget of Loving County is $60 million.
