Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for Senate, delivered remarks at the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas, but the timing and length of his appearance raised questions about party confidence in the candidate. Rather than securing prime-time coverage, Paxton was allotted just five minutes during the 5 p.m. hour on the convention’s opening day—a slot more likely to reach people stuck in traffic than watching television. The scheduling decision came as Trump’s preferred candidate faces unexpectedly tough headwinds in what should be a reliably Republican race.
Paxton’s performance did little to dispel concerns about his readiness for the statewide spotlight. Speaking in a flat, monotone delivery with minimal gestures, he recycled familiar talking points about Trump’s accomplishments and leveled standard attacks on his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, focusing on cultural flashpoint issues. Political observers noted that the arena was only about two-thirds full during his speech, and audience applause remained subdued even at obvious cue lines.
The modest placement reflects growing Republican anxiety about Paxton’s electoral viability. Despite Trump’s backing in the primary, Paxton now trails Talarico in polling, a development party strategists had warned against. The Democrat has built a stronger ground operation and consistently outraises Paxton in fundraising while running on economic policy and anti-corruption messaging. For Republicans bracing for potential losses this cycle, a struggling nominee in a traditionally safe Texas seat represents a significant vulnerability.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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