Ken Paxton's Campaign Faces New Leaked Audio Controversy Ahead of Trump Rally

Texas Attorney General and US Senate candidate Ken Paxton has been caught criticizing Washington's decision-making for a third time, as new audio surfaced just hours before he was scheduled to appear alongside former President Donald Trump.

In the leaked audio from a private fundraising lunch in Washington D.C. on September 24, Paxton responded to a question about factors 'dragging' his campaign by identifying "the war, it's gas prices, it's diesel." He added that when diesel prices exceed "$6 per gallon," people feel the economic impact, which in turn drives up the cost of food and other essentials.

Paxton acknowledged during the event that he has "no control over gas prices" and cannot stop the ongoing conflicts.

The revelations come as Paxton trails his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, in recent polls. The Texas Republican's campaign has also been impacted by personal issues, including an ongoing divorce and a reported affair, which have been extensively covered by media outlets.

The leak occurs at a critical juncture for Republicans, as Trump is actively campaigning in key states to support GOP candidates in what he describes as a fight to prevent Democrats from taking control of Congress. Trump's approval ratings have been at historically low levels, and voters have expressed concerns about the cost of living, which has been exacerbated by global conflicts.

This is not the first instance of Paxton's private remarks being leaked from the September event. Previously released audio captured him expressing frustration about his lack of control over his own campaign's messaging, stating, "I don't control message or what we're doing," and that the campaign's direction was being dictated from Washington.

These comments are particularly noteworthy given that Paxton sought and secured Trump's endorsement during a competitive Republican primary. Trump, during a White House dinner in September, offered a mixed endorsement, acknowledging Paxton's sometimes abrasive style while praising his effectiveness as attorney general.

Paxton's campaign has sought to downplay the impact of the leaked audio, with an adviser suggesting that Paxton was referring to super PACs, which federal campaigns are prohibited from coordinating with. However, the timing and content of the remarks have drawn significant attention, especially as Paxton seeks to unseat an incumbent Republican and positions himself as a loyal Trump ally.

Despite the controversies and polling challenges, Paxton's campaign possesses a substantial financial advantage over Talarico, having recently announced a significant ad buy and receiving substantial contributions from Republican campaign funds.