Paxton campaign condemns report on relationship with Louisiana Democrat
Ken Paxton’s campaign has called a New York Times investigation into his relationship with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon “disgusting” and “invasive”. The report says Duhon is registered as a Democrat in Louisiana and is not registered to vote in Texas, details that emerge as Paxton seeks a US Senate seat in a closely contested race.
The two reportedly began dating in May 2024, while both were married to other people, and have been linked to a home in Frisco, Texas, and trips together. Polls cited in the article show a tight contest with Democrat James Talarico: one average puts him 1.8 points ahead, while a Fox News poll found the candidates tied at 49 per cent. Paxton has faced past legal and political controversies, including a securities fraud case settled without an admission of wrongdoing and a 2023 impeachment trial, in which he was acquitted.
In short
- Tracy Duhon is registered as a Democrat in Louisiana.
- Paxton’s campaign condemned the investigation as invasive.
- Polls show a close Senate race against James Talarico.
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The case for
Voters may reasonably regard a candidate’s personal conduct and close relationships as relevant when assessing judgement, candour and public trust, particularly in a closely contested campaign. If the reporting is accurate and based on properly verified evidence, examining details that could illuminate those questions is a legitimate form of political journalism.
The case against
A candidate’s private relationship and another person’s voter registration may have little bearing on the duties of a senator, and publicising them can intrude on the privacy of both people. The campaign can reasonably argue that scrutiny should focus on substantiated matters of public relevance, rather than personal details whose political significance is uncertain.
Explained simply
Ken Paxton is Texas’s attorney general and a Republican seeking his party’s nomination for the US Senate. The seat is being closely contested, with Democrat James Talarico among his main rivals.
Paxton has faced several legal and political controversies. A securities fraud case was settled without an admission of wrongdoing, and in 2023 the Texas House impeached him; the state Senate later acquitted him.
Tracy Duhon is a Christian influencer from Louisiana. The reported relationship has drawn attention during Paxton’s campaign, while the report’s details about her party registration and voting status have also become part of the public discussion.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Ken Paxton campaign scrambles to hide ‘disgusting’ story on his mistress as it’s revealed she’s a registered Democrat”.