Ken Paxton Launches Campaign Rally Blitz Amidst Contentious Texas GOP Primary
DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is intensifying his campaign for the U.S. Senate, embarking on a series of rallies beginning Monday evening – his first since formally announcing his candidacy ten months ago. This move signals a significant escalation in his challenge to four-term Republican Senator John Cornyn, aiming to inject a staunchly conservative voice into the Senate and setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested Republican primary election in Texas.
Until recently, Paxton’s campaign operated with a lower profile, characterized by limited financial investment and a focus on championing conservative initiatives through his role as state attorney general. However, with early voting slated to commence on Tuesday, March 3rd, the attorney general is now actively traversing the state, scheduling multiple campaign stops throughout the week. This renewed effort includes the launch of television advertisements strategically linking him with former President Donald Trump as he competes against Cornyn and Representative Wesley Hunt.
Defying Expectations: Paxton's Rise in the Primary
Despite facing a barrage of attack ads totaling millions of dollars from Cornyn and his allies, and vocal opposition from Senate Republican leadership who advocate for Cornyn’s perceived strength in a general election, Paxton appears to be gaining momentum within the GOP primary. "I wish they'd stop sending money from Washington, D.C.," Paxton stated during a recent appearance on "Fox News Sunday." He further asserted, "They are sending the money from D.C., and they're helping John Cornyn."
This apparent resilience mirrors the unexpected trajectory of Trump’s own political ascent, suggesting a potential shift in the Republican electorate's priorities. The attorney general’s ability to withstand scrutiny and maintain support, despite ongoing legal and personal challenges, underscores the complexities of the current political landscape. Notably, Paxton was acquitted on impeachment charges related to fraud allegations in 2023, and currently faces claims of marital infidelity made by his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton.
Leveraging the Attorney General's Office for Political Gain
Paxton’s campaign strategy hinges on leveraging his position as attorney general to amplify his conservative credentials. Throughout his tenure, he has actively pursued litigation aligned with the Republican platform. Last year, he initiated legal action against Texas physicians concerning alleged violations of the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a key issue for social conservatives.
Furthermore, in October, he filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over the marketing of Tylenol to pregnant women, echoing concerns previously raised by Trump. Perhaps most significantly, Paxton has spearheaded numerous legal challenges against the Joe Biden administration regarding immigration and border policies, achieving notable successes and solidifying his reputation as a conservative advocate. This pattern of aggressive litigation, dating back to challenges against the Barack Obama administration, has consistently kept Paxton in the public eye within Texas. "I think Ken Paxton is a fighter," remarked U.S. Representative Troy Nehls, emphasizing Paxton’s record of legal action against the federal government.
Cornyn and Allies Outspend Paxton Significantly
While Paxton is gaining traction, Cornyn and his supporters are investing heavily to counter his momentum. As of Friday, Cornyn’s campaign and affiliated super PACs have collectively spent over $54 million on television advertising since last year, primarily focusing on highlighting Paxton’s impeachment and his wife’s divorce claims. Millions more have been allocated to digital advertising, text messaging, and direct mail campaigns aimed at damaging Paxton’s image. One advertisement, sponsored by Texans for a Conservative Majority, even labeled Paxton as "weird."
Despite this substantial financial disparity, Republican strategists suggest that Paxton’s confidence and widespread name recognition – comparable to that of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Senator Ted Cruz, according to Paxton’s own assessment – have mitigated the impact of the negative advertising. With no senator in Texas’ history having served more than four terms, Paxton believes his familiarity with Texas voters gives him a distinct advantage.
