Fox News host Jesse Watters acknowledged a "whiff of corruption" surrounding Republican Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, expressing reservations about the attorney general shortly before the November midterm elections. Watters' comments came after his "The Five" co-hosts had discussed Paxton's opponent, James Talarico.
"Even though he was, like, the best attorney general in the country for the last eight years, there’s just something off-putting about him," Watters said of Paxton. He added that the Texas attorney general appears "either weak or horrifying."
Paxton, a candidate endorsed by Donald Trump, has been embroiled in several controversies. These include a recently leaked audio recording in which he reportedly suggested that President Joe Biden's war in Iran was negatively impacting his campaign. He was also reportedly seen celebrating in Dubai on New Year's Eve 2024 with two individuals who had been indicted on federal healthcare fraud charges.
According to The New York Times, Talarico is leading in current polls. However, Watters suggested that Talarico's campaign may have lost momentum after taking time off to recover from the flu, echoing right-wing talking points that Talarico "just can't cut it in Texas."
Watters concluded by noting the financial advantage of Republicans in the election cycle. "And thank God we have more money than they do, or else this could be curtains for Republicans," he said.