Leaked audio shows Texas AG Ken Paxton attributing his Senate campaign struggles to the Iran war and high gas prices, despite previously defending U.S. involvement. His opponent, James Talarico, has canceled events as early voting approaches.
Paxton's Leaked Remarks on Campaign Challenges
Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton acknowledged in a leaked September audio recording that the ongoing Iran war and high gas prices were negatively affecting his Senate campaign, despite previously defending U.S. involvement in the conflict.
James Talarico, Paxton’s Democratic opponent, canceled two campaign events this week due to illness as early voting in Texas approaches in 10 days.
Leaked Audio Details
In the recording, obtained by Axios and published Wednesday, Paxton told donors and lobbyists during a closed-door meeting that the war and rising fuel costs were the primary challenges facing his campaign ahead of the November election. He stated that diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon were a significant burden on voters, saying, “That’s probably the biggest problem … that’s by far our biggest problem.” Paxton also noted that he could not control gas prices or the war but proposed legislation to provide tax relief, including expanded child tax credits and healthcare write-offs.
Paxton’s campaign spokesperson, Madison Cercy, dismissed the recording as a “non-story,” asserting that the Attorney General was simply acknowledging economic pressures faced by Texans. “The Attorney General said what every Texan already knows: gas and diesel prices are too high, and hardworking Texans are struggling at the pump and at the grocery store,” Cercy stated. She added that Paxton’s policy proposals, such as a larger child tax credit and increased deductions, would address these concerns.
Party Tensions and Campaign Challenges
National Republicans have invested heavily in Paxton’s Senate bid, despite internal frustrations over his campaign messaging. A POLITICO report cited anonymous GOP operatives criticizing Paxton for blaming “D.C. Republicans” for his campaign struggles and for stating that President Donald Trump’s midterm convention had hurt his candidacy. One consultant remarked, “He communicates something that is unhelpful, that is undisciplined, that is politically self-harmful.”
The Senate GOP super PAC MAGA Inc., aligned with Trump, has spent millions to support Paxton’s campaign, though some Republicans argue the effort has been complicated by his remarks. A Texas-based GOP consultant noted that Paxton’s fundraising and messaging limitations make it difficult to counter Democratic attacks.
Talarico's Campaign Disruptions
Meanwhile, Democratic nominee James Talarico has canceled at least two campaign events after contracting the flu, with early voting in Texas set to begin in 10 days. The developments come as both candidates navigate the final stretch of a closely watched Senate race.
Paxton’s campaign did not respond to requests for further comment on the audio recording or his remarks about the Iran war’s impact on his bid.