Paxton admits DC control over Texas Senate campaign as polls lag
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton privately admitted that his Senate campaign messaging is being dictated by Washington, D.C., rather than local operations. This admission, captured on audio at a September fundraiser, highlights a disconnect between the candidate and his campaign apparatus. The comments come as Paxton trails Democratic opponent James Talarico in recent polls, despite massive spending and support from President Trump.
Key points
- Paxton stated at a September fundraiser that he has 'never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign' because strategy is 'all coming from DC.'
- The audio was obtained by Politico and verified by attendees, including lobbyists and defense contractor representatives.
- Paxton’s campaign adviser Nick Maddux dismissed the comments as 'manipulated nonsense,' claiming Paxton was referring to Super PACs, not the White House.
- Recent polls show Talarico leading Paxton by 5-7 points among likely voters, with Fox News and NYT/Siena College surveys showing Talarico at 51%.
- Trump deflected questions about the leaked audio, calling the convention 'amazing' and stating he had not heard the comments.
- Paxton previously admitted that the Republican midterm convention in Dallas negatively impacted his polling numbers.
Background
Paxton was chosen by Trump to run for the Texas Senate seat after defeating incumbent John Cornyn in a primary runoff. The race is considered a critical test for the GOP in a state that has not lost a statewide election since 1994. Paxton faces scrutiny over past scandals, including a 2023 impeachment and divorce on 'biblical grounds.' His wife, Angela Paxton, has recently urged conservative women to support the party ticket despite personal grievances.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian and Politico emphasize Paxton’s lack of control over messaging, citing audio recordings from a September fundraiser. The New York Times highlights Paxton’s admission that the Republican convention hurt his polling numbers. CBS News notes Trump’s deflection and Vance’s dismissal of the comments, while the Texas Democratic Party called the remarks 'embarrassing to the president.' Paxton’s team consistently denies the significance of the audio, attributing it to Super PAC coordination rather than White House interference.
Why it matters
The Texas Senate race is a key battleground for the 2026 midterms, with Democrats hoping to flip a long-standing red seat. Paxton’s admissions suggest internal tensions within the GOP and potential misalignment between national and local campaign strategies. The outcome could influence the balance of power in the Senate and signal the effectiveness of Trump’s support for down-ballot candidates.
What to watch
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Trump is planned to make a campaign stop in Denton, Texas, though it is unclear if Paxton will attend. Polling trends and further leaks may continue to shape the narrative as the race approaches its conclusion.
- Republican Ken Paxton admits forces in DC control his Texas Senate campaign The Guardian
- Ken Paxton, G.O.P. Nominee in Texas, Privately Said Trump’s Convention Hurt Him The New York Times
- New Ken Paxton Leaked Audio Says Washington Runs His Campaign: ‘I Don’t Control Messaging’ Forbes
- Trump deflects on leaked audio of Ken Paxton calling Texas midterm convention a drag on his poll numbers CBS News
- Campaign ‘all coming from DC,’ Paxton says Politico
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