Trump Voters Slam Ken Paxton as 'Crook,' 'Womanizer' in Texas Senate Race

President Trump's endorsed candidate for the Texas Senate race, Ken Paxton, is facing harsh criticism from within the Republican base, with some Trump voters describing him as a "womanizer" and "crook," according to a New York Times Opinion focus group. The sentiment suggests a challenging path ahead for Republicans in holding onto the deep red seat.

Twelve Trump voters participating in the focus group used terms such as "criminal," "amoral," "disgusting," and "corrupt" to describe Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General. One voter bluntly summarized him as a "womanizer. Crook."

For several participants, the issue was not Republican politics but Paxton himself. "They picked the wrong candidate. It's him. If they picked anybody else, they would have won," one conservative-leaning voter stated, indicating that a different Republican nominee, such as incumbent Senator John Cornyn, would have secured an easier victory.

This dissatisfaction is fueling concerns among Texas Republicans, with operatives bracing for a potential loss. "It's going to take a Herculean effort to hold the seat," one GOP operative told Politico. The operative predicted significant "Monday morning quarterbacking" and blame-shifting within the party, with Paxton potentially blaming Cornyn and Trump blaming Paxton, or vice versa.

Some voters who are considering supporting the Democratic candidate, James Talarico, are doing so not out of strong allegiance to the Democratic Party, but primarily to vote against Paxton. Seven of the 12 focus group participants indicated they would have preferred Cornyn over Talarico had Cornyn been the Republican nominee.

While Talarico is not universally embraced by all voters, with some criticizing his social views and perceived ineffectiveness, the opposition to Paxton remains a significant factor. "I will not vote for Paxton," one Republican voter declared, describing the choice as "horrible turmoil" due to opposition to Talarico's views but an unwillingness to support the Republican nominee.

Some voters see Talarico as a positive alternative, describing him as "fresh," "young," and "inspiring." One voter appreciated Talarico's apparent focus on "solutions" rather than negativity, likening him to "fresh air." However, this voter clarified that their support was contingent on Paxton being the opponent, stating, "If it was Cornyn versus him, I would be with Cornyn."

Talarico has sought to capitalize on this sentiment, proposing a debate with Paxton to "take the fight onto Paxton’s home turf."

Paxton brings considerable baggage into the race. He was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 on allegations of abuse of office and improper dealings with a donor, though he was later acquitted by the Texas Senate. He also faced a long-running securities-fraud case that concluded without a conviction. Further personal scrutiny arose when his wife filed for divorce in 2025, accusing him of adultery, an affair Paxton had previously acknowledged. He has denied wrongdoing in relation to these allegations.

Despite these controversies, Trump has continued to endorse Paxton, supporting him in the Republican runoff and planning to campaign for him. Latest polling from Texas Southern University shows Talarico narrowly leading Paxton, 47 percent to 46 percent, among likely voters, with Libertarian Ted Brown at 3 percent and 4 percent undecided. This suggests a highly competitive race in the Lone Star State.