Story perspectives

NYT Audio Shows Paxton Fundraiser Remarks as Senate Race Tightens

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 11:14 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Advisor calls release nonsense

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was recorded speaking at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., attended by about twelve people.
Recent polls show the Paxton-Talarico Senate race has tightened, with one poll tying them, another giving Talarico a lead, and President Donald Trump endorsing Paxton.
The New York Times obtained the audio from an attendee at the fundraiser.
Advisor Nick Maddux called the release “manipulated nonsense” and said poll numbers improved since September.

Left

Attorney General defends cuts

Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, was recorded speaking at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., with about 12 attendees.
The attorney general said cutting mandatory spending would protect Social Security while blaming both parties' presidents for policies that could bankrupt U.S. and hurt seniors.
He noted mandatory spending, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, dominates the budget.
Paxton accused the media of cherry-picking his remarks and labeled the coverage fake news.

Blindspot

Recent polls show the Texas AG race is close, with a UMass Lowell poll tying Paxton and Talarico at 45 % and a YouGov poll giving Talarico 50 % and Paxton 44 %.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

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Advisor calls release nonsense

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was recorded speaking at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., attended by about twelve people.
Recent polls show the Paxton-Talarico Senate race has tightened, with one poll tying them, another giving Talarico a lead, and President Donald Trump endorsing Paxton.
The New York Times obtained the audio from an attendee at the fundraiser.
Advisor Nick Maddux called the release “manipulated nonsense” and said poll numbers improved since September.

1 / 3