Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton believes President Donald Trump's involvement in an "unpopular war of choice in Iran" and elevated fuel prices are negatively impacting his U.S. Senate campaign, according to leaked audio obtained and shared by Axios. Paxton made these remarks to donors and lobbyists at a private event last month, identifying these issues as the primary factors "dragging" his campaign.
Paxton stated that when diesel prices exceed $6 per gallon, "people are feeling the pinch," which in turn drives up the cost of other necessities like food. He concluded that affordability is "by far" the campaign's "biggest problem," contributing to their struggles with polling numbers.
This audio clip is the third to emerge from a private fundraiser in Washington D.C., following recordings published by The New York Times and Politico. In these previous clips, Paxton reportedly discussed how factors beyond Texas were affecting his campaign, including stating that Trump's midterm convention in Dallas was a "drag" on support for his Senate bid. Paxton is currently trailing his Democratic opponent, Texas state Rep. James Talarcio, in recent polls.
In response to a question about affordability issues, Paxton referenced his economic plan, which includes proposals for tax write-offs for housing, healthcare, and family-related expenses, as well as doubling the child tax credit. However, when an attendee noted that the war cannot be stopped, Paxton conceded that he has no control over gas prices and that "Some of the factors in this federal race are uncontrollable."
A spokesperson for the Paxton campaign dismissed the leak as a "non-story," asserting that the Attorney General merely stated a known fact: gas and diesel prices are too high, and Texans are struggling. The spokesperson added that President Trump is working to lower prices, and Paxton aims to assist him in Washington by advocating for policies that put money back into families' pockets.