Texas is experiencing a wave of leaks leading up to the midterm elections. Recent audio procured by CNN suggests a tense relationship between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senator John Cornyn. The recording indicates Paxton claims Cornyn wishes for his defeat to Democrat James Talarico on November 3. Cornyn’s team denies Paxton’s assertion.
Paxton’s Allegations Against Cornyn
According to CNN, Paxton shared at a private fundraiser that a friend had met Cornyn at a Dallas restaurant, thanking the senator for his continued Republican support post-primary. Paxton recounted Cornyn’s alleged response with, “Paxton’s gonna lose. We need to teach those Republicans a lesson. It’s going to be hard to learn, but they need to know that their decisions have consequences.” CNN states it could not independently confirm the restaurant conversation.
Cornyn’s Denial
Cornyn’s spokesperson countered that the alleged conversation described by Paxton did not happen. Rob Jesmer, Cornyn’s political strategist, strongly dismissed the idea that Cornyn wants Paxton to lose, suggesting Cornyn would be more active in the campaign if that were true.
Public Tensions and Leaks
The audio leak appears amidst a backdrop of public tensions following a contentious primary. Cornyn criticized Paxton as a “poor campaigner” in The Texas Tribune in August. Despite his Republican ticket support, Cornyn has not formally endorsed Paxton’s Senate pursuit.
Additional audio obtained by Politico reveals Paxton expressing frustrations about his limited control over his Senate campaign, citing influences from Washington, D.C. Paxton acknowledged, “I’ve never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter.”
The New York Times published audio revealing Paxton lamenting the impact of the Republican National Convention on his campaign. Nick Maddux, senior adviser for Paxton, deemed the Times’ report as “manipulated nonsense.”
Further audio leaks discussed by Axios show Paxton addressing the negative impact of rising fuel prices, attributed to Trump’s Iran policies, on his party’s midterm prospects.
James Talarico’s Campaign Activities
James Talarico resumed campaign activities Friday, having taken time off reportedly due to the flu. Republicans criticized his absence, questioning his priorities after noticing Talarico at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
A contentious aspect surrounds debates. Talarico has been pressing for a debate with Paxton, challenging him publicly to three televised debates. Recently, Talarico even invited Paxton to a Fox News debate. Trump suggested Paxton should accept the debate challenge.
Recent polls indicate a close race between Talarico and Paxton, worrying Republicans in a historically Republican state as Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to a U.S. Senate seat since 1988.
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