Ken Paxton Accuses John Cornyn of Sabotaging Senate Campaign

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed in leaked audio from a Washington, D.C. fundraiser that outgoing Senator John Cornyn is attempting to sabotage his campaign. Paxton, who defeated Cornyn in the May GOP primary with Donald Trump's endorsement, alleged that Cornyn wants him to lose to teach Republicans a lesson about their primary decisions. Paxton cited an anecdote where Cornyn allegedly told a friend at a Dallas restaurant that voters need to know their decisions have consequences.

A spokesperson for Cornyn denied the restaurant encounter occurred, and strategist Rob Jesmer stated that Cornyn supports the Republican ticket. The accusations emerge as Paxton trails Democratic opponent James Talarico in multiple polls, including a YouGov poll showing Talarico with a six-point lead.

Other leaked recordings show Paxton blaming his poor poll numbers on economic factors, such as rising gas and diesel prices, and the administration's war in Iran. Paxton also criticized the impact of Donald Trump's midterm convention and complained to donors that his campaign is being managed from Washington, D.C. rather than Texas. National news networks have noted that Paxton's personal scandals and corruption allegations could penalize the broader Republican ticket and impact control of the U.S. Senate.