Leaked Audio Shows Ken Paxton Criticizing Greg Abbott
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton privately claimed Governor Greg Abbott is struggling in his reelection bid, according to leaked audio from a private fundraiser.
Leaked audio from a September 24 private donor event in Washington, D.C., reveals that Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas and a Republican Senate candidate, believes Governor Greg Abbott is struggling in his reelection bid. In the recordings, Paxton attributes his own campaign difficulties to a brutal primary, negative advertising, and the funding of his opponent, James Talarico.
Paxton further predicted that Republicans would likely lose seats in the Texas legislature. He suggested that rising gas prices and the president's policies, including the war in Iran, are negatively impacting his campaign.
Spokesperson Madison Cercy dismissed the leaks as a partisan hit job based on cherry-picked audio. These private admissions align with a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll from October 13, which shows tight statewide races. The poll indicates Talarico leads Paxton 50% to 47% and Democrat Gina Hinojosa leads Abbott 49% to 48%, with both results falling within the margin of error.
