Audio reveals Texas Senate candidate claims midterm event hurt GOP candidates as polling tightens
Category: Politics
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, has privately criticized President Donald Trump’s midterm convention, claiming it negatively affected his campaign and those of other Republicans. In a recent audio recording obtained by *The New York Times*, Paxton stated that the convention, held in Dallas on September 9-10, hurt GOP candidates' poll numbers.
During a private fundraiser attended by conservative lobbyists and donors, Paxton responded to a question about Trump, saying, "So to be honest with you, the numbers — when we did that convention — it dropped our numbers. Everybody’s numbers dropped. Right now, yeah, not good." This admission comes as Paxton faces mounting pressure in his race against Democratic state Representative James Talarico, with early voting less than three weeks away.
Paxton's comments have raised eyebrows, especially considering Trump’s previous endorsement helped him secure the Republican nomination over incumbent Senator John Cornyn earlier this year. Trump's political backing has been instrumental in Paxton's campaign, including substantial financial support from Trump's super PAC, which has spent over $22 million on advertising since early September.
The implications of Paxton's remarks are considerable. With Talarico leading in most polls by margins ranging from 1 to 6 points, Paxton's acknowledgment of the convention's detrimental impact could signal trouble for his campaign. Polls indicate that Democrats have gained ground since the convention, with enthusiasm among voters shifting in their favor. This shift is particularly concerning for Paxton, who is struggling to rally support in a traditionally Republican state.
Polling data shows that Democrats have expanded their lead on the generic ballot by at least two points since the convention, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment. The latest internal poll from Paxton’s campaign showed him ahead by only three points over Talarico, a narrow lead that may not be enough to assure victory in the upcoming election.
Paxton’s remarks come at a time when many Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump, whose approval ratings have dipped significantly. Some party members have even removed references to Trump from their campaigns, highlighting a growing unease within the GOP about aligning too closely with the former president. In stark contradiction, Paxton has maintained a close relationship with Trump, positioning himself as one of his most loyal allies.
Trump’s midterm convention, intended to energize the Republican base, appears to have backfired. In his remarks at the event, Trump humorously criticized Paxton’s appearance and mannerisms, stating, "He may not dress right. He may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy you've ever seen, but you know what he is? He's the greatest attorney general in America." Such comments, though meant to be lighthearted, may have contributed to the negative perception of Paxton among voters.
As the election approaches, several key factors will determine the outcome of Paxton's campaign. First, how effectively can Paxton leverage Trump's presence in Texas during the upcoming visit to a truck factory in Denton? Paxton's ability to capitalize on Trump’s support could be a decisive factor in swaying undecided voters.
Second, the impact of early voting, which begins in less than three weeks, will provide insight into voter enthusiasm and turnout. If Talarico maintains or expands his lead, it could signal a larger shift in Texas politics, potentially paving the way for Democratic candidates in future elections.
Finally, keep an eye on the response from the GOP establishment to Paxton's comments. Will they rally behind him, or will the party's discomfort with Trump’s influence lead to more candidates distancing themselves from his brand? The dynamics of this Senate race are rapidly changing, and both candidates will need to adapt to the shifting political winds.