Minutes after the AP call, Cook Political Report moved the general election forecast from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican.”
Paxton Wins Texas Republican Primary
The Wall Street Journal reports Paxton Wins Texas Republican Primary After Trump Endorsement
State Attorney General Ken Paxton clinched the Texas Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a primary runoff as President Trump’s last-minute endorsement of Paxton helped lift another MAGA firebrand.
With 80% of the vote counted, Paxton had 64% to Cornyn’s 36%, according to the Associated Press on Tuesday night.
The outcome came after a long and ugly battle between the men and opposing factions of the GOP that sent them to a runoff Tuesday after neither won 50% of the vote in the March primary. The outcome sets up a general election contest expected to be the most competitive that deep-red Texas has seen in years. Democrats hope the seminarian James Talarico can defeat Paxton and help them take control of the Senate.
Paxton, 63, served most of his time as attorney general while facing criminal charges for securities fraud, which he eventually resolved with a pretrial deal. His top advisers accused him of abusing the office to benefit a donor. He was impeached by the state House controlled by his own party in 2023 but then acquitted and reinstated by the Senate. He denied wrongdoing in each of the situations. He is now amid a divorce initiated by his wife, who alleged adultery by Paxton.
The race between Paxton and Cornyn is the most expensive Senate GOP primary on record with more than $128 million spent on advertising and reservations in the state, according to AdImpact. Of that, at least $92 million was spent to boost Cornyn—including $22 million spent in the three months from the primary to the primary runoff.
Paxton’s Top Five Impressive Qualifications
- Loyal to Trump. He will do anything Trump wants.
- Served most of his time as Texas attorney general while facing criminal charges for securities fraud, eventually resolved with a pretrial deal.
- Top advisers accused him of abusing the office to benefit a donor.
- Impeached by the state House controlled by Republicans.
- He is now amid a divorce initiated by his wife, on “biblical grounds”. His wife alleges adultery.
Are those impressive qualifications or what?
If you are looking to steal an election, there is no one better qualified. Paxton is a perfect fit for Trump.
Talarico Post on Paxton
James Talarico is Paxton’s opponent in November.
Talarico’s Appeal to Texas
“Three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party fpr using his public office to enrich himself, and his donors at the expense of the people. That kind of corruption is the rock at the core of this broken system. It’s why we can’t afford anything. It’s why we can’t get ahead no matter how hard we work. …”
Yes, but look at Paxton’s impressive qualifications.
Talarico Reaches Out
Meanwhile, in Florida
Meanwhile in Utah
Liberty Score on Senator Graham
Graham is not quite as good as Paxton on loyalty though.
Reflections on MAGA
Former Faith Life Church leader Gary Keesee Jr.
Zero Days
It’s sad to keep having to ask this, but have you seen their qualifications?
Quote of the Day
Full Senate Revote
Please note Trump Faces a Full Revolt in the Senate, Even Senator Tom Cotton
“Who thought this was a good idea? Who chose this timing?” Cotton asked bluntly.
Save Act is Dead
The “Save Act” is Dead. It’s going nowhere.
That’s why I am confident Trump will lose nearly all the tossup races.
Mish Preliminary Senate Forecast, Democrats Pick Up Four Seats
I stick with my assessment Mish Preliminary Senate Forecast, Democrats Pick Up Four Seats
I expect Democrats will pick up 3 to 6 seats. 4 will win the Senate.
When Senators Tom Cotton, Ron Johnson, Ted Cruz, and others are ringing alarm bells, you know there is a fire.
And that is what the polls show too. Given that Trump is Trump, he will not change.
If anything, Trump will get increasingly desperate, losing more voters in the process.
The Texas Senate is close to a tossup. Expect that to be the costliest race in the election.
Defending Texas will take money from elsewhere, increasing Democrats’ chances in other states.
