More leaked audio reveals Ken Paxton’s bitter rival thinks he’ll lose: ‘We need to teach Republicans a lesson’
Ken Paxton said in a leaked recording that Senator John Cornyn wants him to lose the Texas Senate race, alleging Cornyn told a friend that Republicans needed to be taught a lesson. The claim adds to tensions between the two Republicans as Paxton campaigns for the seat and raises questions about Cornyn’s support.
Paxton described an alleged encounter at a Dallas restaurant, but CNN said it could not independently verify his account, and Cornyn’s representative denied the conversation took place. The recording is the fifth known clip from a September fundraiser; Paxton’s campaign dismissed it as “a story that doesn’t exist”. Polls have generally shown Paxton trailing Democrat James Talarico, although one recent poll found the race tied.
- Paxton alleges Cornyn wants him to lose the Senate race.
- Cornyn’s representative denies the alleged restaurant conversation took place.
- The recording is the fifth leaked clip from a September fundraiser.
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Ken Paxton is running for the Texas Senate seat in a competitive race against Democrat James Talarico. He is a prominent Republican, though recent reporting has revealed tensions between him and other senior figures in his party. The race has drawn considerable attention as a significant electoral contest in Texas.
Senator John Cornyn is a long-serving Republican senator from Texas and a figure of considerable influence within the party. His position on party matters, including support for Senate candidates, carries weight among Republican circles. Tensions have emerged between Cornyn and Paxton in recent months, raising questions about party unity ahead of the election.
Disputes within parties over candidate support can significantly affect campaign dynamics. When senior party members distance themselves from a candidate or withhold backing, it influences donor enthusiasm, volunteer mobilisation and electoral prospects. This Senate race has become a focal point for questions about Republican alignment and party priorities in Texas.