Leaked Audio: Paxton Backs Mandatory Spending Cuts Amid Texas Senate Race

Key points

• Paxton stated that 'reasonable cuts to mandatory spending' are necessary to solve the federal deficit, noting that current spending levels will 'bankrupt' the nation.
• The audio was recorded at a private Capitol Hill event hosted by lobbyists, with clips subsequently released to The New York Times, Politico, Axios, and The Texas Tribune.
• Paxton’s comments contrast with his public statements protecting Social Security, though he cited fraud reduction as a primary method for lowering the deficit.
• The leak occurs as Paxton trails Democrat James Talarico in polling, with early voting scheduled to begin on October 19.
• Paxton also acknowledged that the Iran war and high gas prices are negatively impacting his campaign’s performance in the polls.

Background

This development follows a series of audio leaks in late September and early October where Paxton privately criticized President Trump’s influence on his campaign and the GOP convention. Previous coverage noted that despite Trump’s endorsement and significant outside spending, Paxton has struggled to maintain a lead in the polls against Talarico.

How outlets are covering it

The Texas Tribune and The Guardian emphasize the significance of Paxton’s private support for cutting mandatory spending, which includes Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The Daily Beast focuses on the political embarrassment of the leak, highlighting Paxton’s private criticism of Trump’s administration and the Iran war. KABB notes the candidate’s attribution of his polling struggles to external factors like the Iran conflict and rising fuel costs. While The Texas Tribune details Paxton’s defense of Social Security, The Daily Beast frames the event as a scandal for a flailing MAGA candidate.

Why it matters

The leak provides insight into the Republican nominee’s potential policy positions on entitlements, a sensitive topic in a competitive Texas race. It also underscores the tension between Paxton and the Trump administration, which could influence voter perception in a state where Democrats have not won statewide office since 1994.

What to watch

The campaign is expected to continue as early voting begins on October 19. Additional leaks from the September 24 event may emerge, and Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in San Antonio to support Paxton.