George W. Bush Aids GOP Fundraising, Sidelines Primary Challenger
The former president is supporting Senate Republicans but not Ken Paxton, who defeated his nephew in a recent Texas primary.
Former President George W. Bush is participating in Republican fundraising efforts, but not for Ken Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General who defeated Bush's nephew, George P. Bush, in the 2022 Texas Republican primary. Bush was a "special guest" at a Monday night fundraiser for Maintain the Majority, a PAC supporting Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, according to The New York Times. Paxton was not included in the event.
Maintain the Majority supports Cornyn and other Republican senators, including Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mike Rogers of Michigan. Notably absent from the list of supported candidates are Paxton, and North Carolina Senate nominees Mike Collins and Michael Whatley, who are closely aligned with former President Donald Trump.
This distinction in fundraising support highlights a division within the Republican party, particularly concerning candidates with strong ties to Trump. Bush and Cornyn have reportedly maintained a complex relationship with Trump and his favored candidates. Karl Rove, a former senior advisor to Bush, has publicly stated he would vote for a Texas Democrat.
Paxton, however, has Trump's backing and access to a significant campaign war chest. MAGA Inc., the PAC associated with Trump, reported over $415 million in cash on hand as of the latest Federal Election Commission filing. The upcoming midterm elections are crucial for Republicans aiming to maintain their slim majority in the Senate. Several key Senate races in states like Michigan, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska are considered toss-ups, according to Fox News Power Rankings. Democrats are targeting seats held by Republicans, while Republicans are looking for potential pickups in other states.
Despite the internal party dynamics, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters has expressed confidence in Paxton's ability to win the Texas Senate race. Gruters pointed to Paxton's past general election victories and Texas's status as a reliably Republican state, predicting a win for Paxton against Democratic nominee James Talarico.