Ken Paxton Says Trump Convention Hurt GOP Candidates, NYT Reports
Based on an audio recording, the New York Times disclosed on September 30 that Senate hopeful Ken Paxton informed a closed-door assembly of lobbyists and conservative contributors in Washington last Thursday that President Donald Trump’s midterm gathering damaged both his own campaign and those of other Republicans participating in the November contests.
Paxton Says Convention Dropped Numbers
“So to be honest with you, the numbers — when we did that convention — it dropped our numbers. Everybody’s numbers dropped. Right now, yeah, not good,” Paxton said in an audio clip posted on the newspaper’s website, as reported by Reuters. In the recording, an unidentified attendee asks Paxton, “Do you feel like he’s a little bit of a drag?” Paxton’s reply was distinct, though the questioner’s words were less clear.
Paxton secured the Republican nomination after defeating four-term Senator John Cornyn in a primary, following an endorsement from Trump. Three people with knowledge of the event confirmed Paxton’s attendance, with two remembering the question and one recalling the response. The recording was shared by an attendee who opposes Paxton’s candidacy.
Paxton Adviser Disputes Reporting
Nick Maddux, a senior adviser to Paxton, disputed the reporting in an emailed statement. “This is more manipulated nonsense from the New York Times to create a story that doesn’t exist,” Maddux said, adding that Paxton looks forward to Trump’s visit to Texas during the week of September 30.
When asked by reporters about the recording in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump stated that he had not heard it. “I can tell you that the convention was amazing,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters. Early-September Federal Election Commission records indicate that the MAGA Inc super PAC backed by Trump will contribute a minimum of $10 million toward Paxton’s bid.
Paxton Faces Talarico in November Election
Paxton faces Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election, as Republicans work to defend their narrow majority in the U.S. Senate. Independent polls indicate a tight contest between the two candidates.
The unusual Republican convention was held in Dallas earlier in September to boost midterm prospects. Trump’s popularity has declined following a war on Iran launched in February that disrupted Middle East oil shipments, pushed fuel prices near record highs, and strained U.S. household finances. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in late September showed Trump’s approval rating falling to 32%, the lowest of his political career, alongside a drop in public confidence in Republicans handling economic policy.