Scandal-Hit Texas GOP Senate Hopeful Loses Suburban Women Support
Ken Paxton’s bid for the U.S. Senate is faltering as suburban female voters say they may back Democrat James Talarico or stay home.
Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general running for the U.S. Senate, is seeing crucial backing erode among suburban women. Interviewed voters expressed that his numerous scandals have made them consider supporting Democrat James Talarico instead, or abstaining from voting altogether. This loss of support comes at a pivotal moment, with the November 3 midterm election poised to be tightly contested.
The women’s wavering allegiance highlights a growing disconnect between the Texas Republican establishment and moderate suburban constituencies. If the trend holds, it could narrow Paxton’s margin or even flip the seat. Campaign strategists are now scrambling to regain trust among this demographic before the final weeks of the race.
Why it matters
Shifts among suburban women could tip a close Texas Senate race, influencing the Senate balance.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 Florida Republicans Fear Democratic Surge as Trump’s Popularity Plummets and Gubernatorial Race Tightens
- Oct 8 Audio from Paxton’s Washington fundraiser was leaked, revealing his complaints about fuel prices and the Iran war.
- Oct 8 Talarico’s campaign says he is recovering from a flu infection and plans to resume in-person campaigning this weekend after a virtual appearance. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team has demanded proof of Talarico’s whereabouts, while Democrats express concern over the candidate’s absence during a crucial campaign phase. Despite the setback, Talarico’s supporters note his extensive ad spend and argue the pause may be preferable to campaigning while ill.
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 11 Donald’s campaign edited its website to cut eight Trump mentions and moved a Trump photo to a less prominent spot.
- Oct 12 Elon Musk has contributed an unprecedented $366 million to groups supporting GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 elections for the House and Senate.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 12 Democrat Mary Peltola is ahead of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in recent Alaska polls, just days before Donald Trump is set to campaign for Sullivan.
- Oct 13 Trump’s Tennessee remarks emphasized confidence in his base while new polling data highlighted lower Republican voter enthusiasm.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 14 Peltola disclosed a $17 million haul in third‑quarter contributions.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
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