Bush and Cornyn Host Fundraiser for GOP Senate Candidates, Omitting Paxton

Former President George W. Bush and Sen. John Cornyn hosted a fundraiser Monday night in Dallas for several Republican Senate candidates, but notably excluded Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running in a highly contested race. The event, organized to support candidates in battleground states crucial for determining control of Congress, featured Bush as a special guest and was hosted by Cornyn.

The fundraiser, benefiting the newly formed joint fundraising committee Maintain the Majority, focused on candidates in Alaska, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Maine. Attendees included Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan and Jon Husted, former Rep. Mike Rogers, Rep. Ashley Hinson, former Sen. John Sununu, and Michelle Tafoya.

Paxton's absence from the guest list underscores the ongoing challenges for scandal-plagued Republicans seeking broad party support. He previously defeated Cornyn in the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history. The exclusion also highlights a potential rift between establishment Republicans, many of whom endorsed Cornyn, and the populist wing of the party, which largely backed Paxton and President Donald Trump.

Figures associated with the George W. Bush administration, including former Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers and former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, were also involved in organizing the event. The gathering coincided with increased fundraising in the Texas Senate race, where Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. While Talarico initially held a fundraising advantage, Paxton has seen significant outside spending, including from the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. and the America PAC funded by Elon Musk.

Despite past criticisms of Paxton, Cornyn has stated his intention to support the Republican ticket in the November general election.

In addition to Paxton, GOP Senate candidates Michael Whatley of North Carolina and Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia were also not included in the event. Some Republican operatives suggest that these races may be less likely to yield victories for the party, leading to a strategic reallocation of resources to more competitive states.

Paxton's campaign, as well as spokespeople for Bush and Cornyn, were contacted for comment. The New York Times initially reported on the fundraiser.