Ken Paxton privately says Dallas convention may have affected figures

Donald Trump is embarking on a 32-day campaign tour aimed at rescuing Republican midterm candidates, but Texas Attorney General and Senate candidate Ken Paxton privately acknowledged to donors that the Republican convention held in Dallas may have affected figures, elpais.com reported.

The Trump-a-Palooza Convention in Dallas Causes Internal Party Friction

Paxton told a gathering of conservative donors and lobbyists in Washington last week that an unprecedented Republican convention held in Dallas at the beginning of September may have affected him. The event, dubbed the Trump-a-palooza, featured speeches from Trump that included a pledge of a $5,000 bonus for every adult American if Republicans win the legislative elections. According to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times, an attendee asked Paxton if “he” was somewhat counterproductive, though it is not clear if “he” referred to Trump. Paxton responded that when they held that convention, figures dropped for everyone, leaving the current political situation in a difficult spot.

Financial Deficits and Polling Pressures in Texas

Despite receiving vocal backing from Trump, Paxton continues to struggle in polls against his Democratic opponent, James Talarico. A Real Clear Politics polling average shows Talarico leading Paxton 47.6% to 44.7%, while Decision Desk HQ puts Talarico’s chances of winning in November at 56%. Financial disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission at the end of June reveal a stark fundraising disparity. Talarico maintained more than $21.5 million in available campaign funds, whereas Paxton held less than $1.8 million. The national Republican party has been forced to spend money in Texas that it had not planned, as the party could lose its first state election in Texas since 1994.

Corruption Scandals and Past Primaries Shape the Senate Race

Trump chose to endorse Paxton over veteran Texas Republican Congressman John Cornyn, citing a lack of sufficient loyalty from Cornyn during difficult times. Cornyn had maintained an undefeated record in the Senate since 2002, despite voting to impeach Trump following the 2021 attack on the Capitol. Paxton’s campaign has simultaneously grappled with fallout from a 2023 state Senate corruption investigation. Although the state Senate acquitted Paxton, he faced over a dozen charges accusing him of using his power as attorney general to benefit friend and donor Nate Paul, alongside public scrutiny surrounding his personal life and divorce.

Voter Decisions Ahead of November Midterms

Republican voters in Texas must decide whether to support Paxton at the ballot box despite the ongoing financial disadvantage, intraparty divisions, and the fallout from previous scandals.