Paxton Expresses Frustration Over Campaign Control Amidst Shifting Alliances
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican Senate nominee, has voiced concerns about his campaign's lack of control, particularly with the Democratic establishment and DC figures he previously opposed now providing support.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee in Texas, has expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of control within his own campaign. This sentiment comes as the race heats up against Democratic nominee state Rep. James Talarico and as elements of the Washington, D.C. establishment, which Paxton has historically battled, now rally to his support.
In a leaked audio recording from late September, obtained by Politico, Paxton stated, "I’ve never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming — you know — from D.C." He further elaborated on the recording, "Campaigns don’t coordinate with super PACs and that’s obviously what AG Paxton was referring to." Super PACs and other outside groups are legally prohibited from directly coordinating with candidates and their campaigns.
The race to succeed Republican Sen. John Cornyn, whom Paxton defeated in a contentious primary, is considered crucial for the GOP's efforts to maintain its Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Paxton's campaign adviser, Nick Maddux, told Fox News Digital that Paxton is thankful for the support and is actively engaging with Texans. "AG Paxton is thankful for the support and knows how important Texas is to keeping the majority, which is why he’s on the ground every day talking to Texas, raising money, and taking his message directly to the people including with his statewide television buy that started over this past weekend," Maddux stated.
Paxton's remarks at a September 24 lunch in Washington, D.C., also touched upon the impact of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, suggesting it may have negatively affected Republican candidates' polling numbers. "Dropped our numbers. Everybody's numbers dropped. Right now, yeah, not good," Paxton said, according to a separate recording obtained by The New York Times. Maddux dismissed these reports as "manipulated nonsense."
During his primary campaign against Sen. Cornyn, Paxton characterized the incumbent as a "Washington insider" and a "RINO" (Republican in name only), emphasizing his own outsider credentials and support for former President Donald Trump. Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before the primary runoff. Paxton also frequently criticized Cornyn for accepting financial backing from the Republican establishment, arguing that such funds should have been directed to other Republican races.
Ironically, many of the groups that supported Cornyn and ran ads highlighting Paxton's legal troubles during the primary are now reportedly spending significant amounts to support Paxton's Senate bid. An estimate from ad-tracking firm AdImpact projects up to $850 million could be spent in the race.
Paxton has faced numerous scandals and legal challenges, including an impeachment vote by the Texas House of Representatives in 2023, though he was later acquitted by the state Senate. He is also involved in a contentious divorce.
Cornyn, who had the backing of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, had warned that a Paxton nomination would necessitate substantial party spending to defend the seat and potentially harm other Republican candidates down-ballot.
A recent Fox News poll conducted from September 24-28 shows Talarico holding a narrow 51%-49% lead over Paxton. The race in Texas is classified as a toss-up, alongside contests in Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, and Alaska, according to the latest Fox News Power Rankings.
Sources close to Paxton suggest he is in unfamiliar territory, having never previously experienced a campaign where he was considered the underdog, despite his past electoral successes as a state lawmaker and attorney general.