Texas Republicans criticize Attorney General Ken Paxton amid Democratic campaign launch
Republican voters in Texas expressed strong disapproval of Attorney General Ken Paxton while Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico promoted a food-bank initiative.
At a Dallas event coinciding with Donald Trump's convention, Republican participants openly criticized Attorney General Ken Paxton, labeling him a disgrace and trash, while questioning his continued affiliation with the party. Former Congressman Alan Steelman confirmed he remains a registered Republican but suggested that party loyalty can be strained. Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico used the platform to launch his "Help Thy Neighbor" food-bank drive, noting the race is unusually close in a state that usually leans Republican.
Talarico currently holds a slight lead in polls and outpaces Paxton in fundraising. To bolster Paxton’s faltering finances, Trump announced a $10 million contribution from his MAGA Inc. super PAC, and Elon Musk added $1.6 million. An advertisement featuring a former Paxton office whistleblower accused the attorney general of abusing his power, referencing past impeachment proceedings.
Why it matters
The criticism of a top state official could influence voter sentiment in a closely contested Texas Senate race.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 2 The Cook Political Report moved Texas and Iowa into toss‑up status.
- Sep 2 A poll shows Talarico at 44.0% and Paxton at 43.4% among likely voters.
- Sep 3 USDA announced plans to fund small and midsize meat‑packing operations.
- Sep 3 Sand publicly opposed Harris’s potential 2028 presidential run.
- Sep 6 Trump ordered a Dallas midterm convention just before Thanksgiving, triggering a ticket‑sale scramble and prompting several GOP officials to boycott the event.
- Sep 7 A new poll shows Trump’s disapproval rating is nearly double its 2018 level, threatening GOP prospects in the midterms.
- Sep 7 MAGA Inc. filed an FEC report showing a new advertising purchase for the Texas Senate contest.
- Sep 8 Networks have scaled back live coverage of the convention to prioritize NFL opening‑weekend games.
- Sep 8 Republican strategists are distributing free tickets via unsolicited texts and a lottery to fill the venue.
- Sep 9 Organizers offered five‑figure tickets and hosted multiple donor events during the convention week.
- Sep 9 Texas Democrats adopt divergent tactics, with Tarrant County opting out of press events and Dallas County organizing a rally.
- Sep 9 Republican operatives voiced concerns that the convention’s timing clashes with the NFL opening weekend, limiting viewership.
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