Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may have the endorsement of Donald Trump, but a recent focus group suggests he is struggling to win over some of the president’s own base. During a session conducted by The New York Times, a small group of twelve participants who voted for Trump in 2024 expressed deep disdain for the Republican Senate nominee. Rather than rallying behind the party line, these voters used blunt and biting language to describe Paxton, calling him a crook, a criminal, and morally corrupt.
The hostility toward Paxton seemed rooted in his record as attorney general rather than partisan disagreements. One participant, an independent named Robert D., noted that there are criminals whom Paxton has essentially let off the hook during his tenure. Other descriptors thrown around the room included disgusting and amoral, reflecting a sense of betrayal among voters who typically align with MAGA politics but find Paxton’s personal and professional scandals too much to overlook.
In contrast, the conversation shifted toward Democratic candidate James Talarico with far less vitriol. While not every person in the group was ready to commit to him, many described Talarico as fresh and inspiring, seeing him as a potential new voice for Washington. However, the shift isn’t entirely seamless; some Republicans in the group remained skeptical of Talarico’s progressive values or viewed him as ineffective.
Despite the fiery rhetoric against Paxton, some traditional GOP loyalties remain intact. Several participants indicated they would still prefer longtime Senator John Cornyn over a Democratic alternative if given the choice. This tension highlights a volatile dynamic in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate, especially as current polling shows Talarico maintaining a slim lead while Paxton continues to battle baggage from his previous impeachment and fraud indictments.
