Texas State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, a key contributor of the state’s near-total abortion ban, is under fire following explosive allegations from a woman who claims he funded multiple abortions during a long-term affair. The revelations come just weeks after Capriglione announced he would not seek re-election.
Alex Grace, a former exotic dancer, told Texas outlet Current Revolt she maintained a nearly 20-year relationship with the Republican lawmaker.
In the interview, Grace said Capriglione paid for abortions during their affair and exhibited obsessive secrecy, once hiding cash for her behind a dumpster outside a Chuck E. Cheese.
“If you are using abortions for your personal gain… why announce to the world that this isn’t who you are?” Grace said.
Capriglione, a married father of three, introduced the Human Life Protection Act in 2021. The bill became law after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, making Texas one of the strictest anti-abortion states in the nation.
Capriglione has admitted to an affair but denied the rest. In a statement to The Texas Tribune, he called the claims a “smear campaign” and vowed to pursue legal action.
“Years ago, I selfishly had an affair… I’m not proud of this,” he said. “The rest is categorically false and easily disproven… I have never, nor would I ever, pay for an abortion.”
Still, pressure is mounting. Republican State Rep. Briscoe Cain called on Capriglione to resign, writing on X. “If he had any role in killing babies, he should resign.”
Capriglione previously touted his “pro-life” credentials, calling the 2021 bill the “most consequential pro-life legislation in Texas history.”
Critics now say his personal conduct betrays the values he legislated into law.
The Texas House General Investigating Committee has been urged to examine the claims. Capriglione, for now, insists he will finish his term.
