Fox News host Bret Baier confronted Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton on Thursday with a detailed list of his legal troubles during a live interview. Baier, broadcasting from the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, displayed onscreen bullet points outlining Paxton's past indictments and accusations.
Baier read aloud from the list, which included a 2015 indictment on securities fraud charges, federal fraud charges announced in 2016, and accusations from former staff members in 2020 of accepting bribes. The host also noted Paxton's impeachment by the Republican-led Texas House over accusations of misuse of power, his subsequent acquittal by the Texas State Senate, and a 2025 order for Paxton to pay four former employees $6.6 million for violating the Texas Whistleblower Act.
"I mean, it's a long list here," Baier told Paxton, before asking for a response. Paxton, who is running against Democratic nominee James Talarico, attributed the scrutiny to his advocacy for his constituents. "When you're fighting, they come after you," Paxton stated. He drew a parallel to former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed him, noting that Trump faced more indictments and impeachments.
Paxton asserted that none of the allegations against him have been proven, stating they were either dismissed or resolved. Talarico, Paxton's Democratic opponent, suggested that Trump might be experiencing "buyer's remorse" regarding his endorsement, given Paxton's legal history. Trump's political group has reportedly allocated $10 million for ads in the Texas Senate race.