Trump heads to Texas to rally support for embattled Senate hopeful Ken Paxton
Donald Trump is traveling to Texas to campaign for Senate candidate Ken Paxton as the race tightens and his fundraising falters.
Texas Republicans are scrambling after Donald Trump announced a trip to the state to support his Senate pick, attorney general Ken Paxton, whose campaign is lagging behind both incumbent John Cornyn and Democratic challenger James Talarico. Recent polls show the seat could flip, a rare prospect since 1961, and Paxton’s own fundraising emails admit the effort is “very bad” and out-raised by over 300 percent. The candidate’s history includes a 2015 securities-fraud charge settled in 2024, a divorce filing by his wife Angela Paxton, and an impeachment trial over an alleged affair and alleged obstruction.
Major Texas donors have expressed discomfort, saying Paxton’s scandals hurt his appeal. Trump will speak at a Houston fundraiser on August 27, an event the campaign hopes will attract millions in new contributions. Despite the turmoil, Trump continues to praise Paxton as a loyal MAGA ally while criticizing Cornyn for perceived disloyalty.
Why it matters
The race could determine whether Republicans keep a Senate seat they've held since 1961, affecting national party balance.
How this story developed
- Jul 28 Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico accused of violating state voting residency rules
- Aug 5 A July poll shows Talarico at 45% and Paxton at 40% in the Senate race.
- Aug 10 Republican Rep. Max Miller has remained on the ballot for Ohio’s 7th District after the certification deadline passed, even as his ex-wife accuses him of severe abuse.
- Aug 11 Miller filed paperwork to initiate a House Ethics Committee investigation of himself.
- Aug 18 Jacob Smith, former deputy legislative director for Sen. John Cornyn, joined Talarico’s campaign as deputy policy director.
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