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Republican strategist warns Texas could flip Democratic amid Trump influence

Former GOP strategist Joseph Moreno said he feels embarrassed for the Republican Party and fears a Democratic statewide victory in Texas for the first time in decades.

On a recent appearance on a journalist at one outlet, former Republican strategist Joseph Moreno expressed embarrassment over the party's prospects in Texas, suggesting the state might finally elect a Democrat to a statewide office. Moreno highlighted that polls show Democratic candidate James Talarico holding a slight lead over incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose tenure has been marred by impeachment, misconduct allegations, and personal scandal.

He recalled that the party had long preferred former Senator John Cornyn, a more traditional Republican, but President Donald Trump intervened and endorsed Paxton, defying party counsel. Moreno warned that the GOP's usual 30-year winning streak could be broken, noting the shift from a 10-point margin in 2020 to a potential loss in 2024. The strategist's comments underscore internal GOP concerns about Trump's influence and the vulnerability of a historically secure red-state. He concluded that the embarrassment he feels could translate into a historic Democratic breakthrough in Texas.

Why it matters

A Democratic win in Texas would upend a decades-long Republican stronghold, reshaping national political dynamics.

In this story

TexasRepublican PartyDonald TrumpKen PaxtonJames Talaricoparty embarrassmentstatewide electionGOP stronghold