Republicans Scramble to Rescue Ken Paxton

What happened

Polling has put Democratic state Representative James Talarico narrowly ahead of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, or the race essentially tied, as turnout appears decisive. Paxton has not consistently held support from 90% of Republicans, while Talarico has strong Democratic backing and an opening with independents and Republican crossovers. The Texas race could affect control of the U.S. Senate, in a state Democrats have not won statewide in decades. Paxton is carrying past controversies, including securities-related charges he settled without admitting guilt and an impeachment that ended in acquittal. Paxton is attacking Talarico as too progressive, while Talarico is stressing costs, faith and immigration enforcement. The election is November 3.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed Paxton as a scandal-tested survivor whose usual strengths may not be enough against voter doubts. The Guardian lingered on his repeated escapes from scandal, calling him someone able to “scrape through” political danger. The Los Angeles Times focused on Trump’s immigration crackdown as a force testing Republican strength with affected families and voters.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets framed the danger as a party-unity failure, with Paxton needing Republicans to stop drifting or resisting. RedState blamed Republican establishment resistance, saying Trump had stepped in where Texas Republicans had failed. The Washington Examiner stressed Paxton’s GOP enthusiasm problem as a threat to both his race and Senate control.

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Republicans Scramble to Rescue Ken Paxton

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What happened

How each side covered it

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From the right

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