Paxton Struggles to Defend Republican Defections in Newsmax Interview

Key points

• Ken Paxton appeared on Newsmax to address a new ad by James Talarico featuring former Republican officials who are 'passing on' him.
• The ad includes endorsements from former Rep. Alan Steelman, former state Reps. Bennett Ratliff and Todd Smith, and former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.
• Paxton responded by claiming these individuals are not long-time Republicans and that Talarico’s corruption allegations are unproven.
• James Talarico is currently leading in polls and has secured support from several high-profile Republicans, including former Sen. Kel Seliger.
• If Talarico wins on November 3, he would become the first Democratic U.S. senator elected from Texas since 1988.

Background

The Texas Senate race has become a focal point of the 2026 midterms, with President Donald Trump making multiple high-profile visits to support Paxton. Recent coverage highlights intense competition in Lubbock, where Trump and Talarico held simultaneous rallies. Polls indicate a narrow lead for Talarico, marking a significant threat to Republican dominance in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. The race has also seen record spending, including over $158 million in donations from Elon Musk.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast emphasizes Paxton’s flustered demeanor and his dismissal of Republican critics as 'RINOs' during his Newsmax interview. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram provides a detailed breakdown of the specific Republican officials who endorsed Talarico, highlighting their reasons for rejecting Paxton, including concerns over his legal history and 2023 impeachment. The Amarillo Pioneer focuses on the endorsement of former Sen. Kel Seliger, noting his critical remarks about President Trump and his defense of Talarico. Yahoo’s coverage remains brief, simply noting the confrontation between Finnerty and Paxton without additional analysis.

Why it matters

The defection of prominent Texas Republicans from the Paxton campaign signals a potential shift in the state’s political landscape. If Talarico wins, it would mark the first time a Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994 and the first U.S. Senate seat since 1988. This outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and the future of Republican influence in Texas.

What to watch

The next critical step is the November 3 election, where early voting has already concluded. The outcome will determine whether Talarico can break the Democratic drought in Texas or if Paxton can secure a victory despite the growing bipartisan opposition. Further campaign activities and final polling data in the coming days will likely provide more clarity on the race’s trajectory.