Ken Paxton Discusses Campaign Messaging Challenges in Leaked Recording

Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton expressed concerns last month about the influence of Washington on his campaign messaging, stating that he feels he has little control over the direction of his race. "I’ve never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming — you know — from D.C.," Paxton said during a private fundraiser on September 24, according to audio obtained by Politico. He added, "I don’t control message or what we’re doing." This recording is the second to emerge from the fundraiser; a previous audio clip captured Paxton attributing a decline in his poll numbers to President Donald Trump’s midterm convention in Dallas. Paxton noted that Texas’ large size complicates direct voter outreach, leaving much of the campaign messaging to external sources. "But then it comes down to your messaging," he said, "which in a federal race comes from other people a lot of times, which you don’t control." Nick Maddux, a campaign adviser for Paxton, clarified that Paxton was referring to independent groups supporting his campaign, stating, "Campaigns don’t coordinate with super PACS and that’s obviously what AG Paxton was referring to." These groups have significantly influenced Paxton’s race against Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico. According to AdImpact data reported by The Texas Tribune, Republicans spent $122 million supporting Paxton in September, with an additional $66 million in airtime reserved through Election Day. Paxton’s campaign contributed $1.2 million to this spending. Texas PAC, associated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, had spent $131 million on the race, while Trump’s super PAC contributed nearly $24 million. Paxton has since initiated a $20 million advertising campaign. Paxton’s private views on the race contrast with the public confidence expressed by Trump. During the Republican primary against Sen. John Cornyn, Paxton criticized Washington’s influence and the external funding supporting his opponent. Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before the May runoff, which Paxton ultimately won. With less than a month until Election Day, Paxton is competing against Talarico. A New York Times/Siena poll conducted from September 21 to September 30 indicated Talarico leading Paxton 51% to 45% among 615 likely voters, with a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points. Other recent public polls have also indicated a close race.