Trump Backs Ken Paxton

What happened

Leaked audio captured Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton telling donors that Donald Trump’s Dallas midterm convention hurt Republican polling, including his own race. Paxton is running against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in a close Texas Senate race, where recent public polling gave Talarico a small lead of about 3 points. Trump endorsed Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary, making his support central to Paxton’s campaign. Paxton’s campaign called the report manipulated nonsense and said internal polling showed him ahead. Trump said he had not heard the audio, but called the convention “amazing.” Paxton is expected to campaign with Trump in Texas on Thursday.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets cast the episode as a Trump-centered setback, not just a Texas campaign problem. CNN framed the Dallas event as a “dud” that may have backfired on Republicans. AlterNet leaned into the risk of MAGA infighting, portraying Paxton as blaming Trump and inviting backlash. Daily Beast used the moment to underline Democratic hopes in a usually difficult Texas race.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets focused on the vulnerability the leak exposed, while still giving Paxton’s rebuttal space. Daily Mail led with Paxton’s private acknowledgment that Trump’s event hurt his standing. Fox News framed Texas as a red-state test because Talarico is running competitively. Newsmax cited adviser Nick Maddux rejecting the story as “manipulated nonsense” and saying Paxton remains positioned to win.

Headlines

Trump Backs Ken Paxton

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What happened

How each side covered it

From the left

From the right

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Center9

Right10

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