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Ted Cruz Defends Ken Paxton After Cornyn Criticism

8/31/2026

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Cruz Defends Paxton

Sen. Ted Cruz defended Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton after Sen. John Cornyn criticized Paxton’s campaign ahead of the election versus Democrat James Talarico.
Polling shows Talarico ahead of Paxton within the margin of error; Talarico raised $30 million, Paxton $9 million, and outspent him 200-to-1 on ads.
John Cornyn said he not raise money for Paxton, directing donors to states.
U.S. President Donald Trump held a fundraiser for Paxton in Houston.

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Cruz Defends Paxton

Sen. Ted Cruz defended Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton after Sen. John Cornyn criticized his campaign ahead of the general election versus Democrat James Talarico.
The report highlights Paxton’s mounting legal troubles—including alleged bribery, securities fraud and voter fraud—alongside a growing donor revolt.
Cruz praised Paxton as a strong conservative whose record reflects Texas voters.
John Cornyn called Paxton a lazy, poor campaigner who fails to raise money.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Republican Revolution, culminating in the November 1994 midterm elections, vaulted Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America” to a sweeping House takeover. Republicans captured 54 additional seats, raising roughly $1.5 billion nationwide, while Texas GOP stalwart Phil Gramm secured a Senate win with $12 million in contributions. That surge mirrors today’s Texas Senate contest, where Senator Ted Cruz backs embattled Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico amid donor fractures and legal scandals. The 1994 precedent shows how intra-party disputes and fundraising wars can reshape state races, foreshadowing potential GOP realignment if Paxton’s challenges persist.

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Cruz Defends Paxton

Sen. Ted Cruz defended Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton after Sen. John Cornyn criticized Paxton’s campaign ahead of the election versus Democrat James Talarico.
Polling shows Talarico ahead of Paxton within the margin of error; Talarico raised $30 million, Paxton $9 million, and outspent him 200-to-1 on ads.
John Cornyn said he not raise money for Paxton, directing donors to states.
U.S. President Donald Trump held a fundraiser for Paxton in Houston.

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