Democrats Smell Blood in Texas After Ken Paxton's GOP Primary Victory
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear slammed Ken Paxton, declaring Texas a battleground for Democrats after the state Attorney General triumphed over Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
Beshear, a Democrat, unleashed a barrage against Paxton on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” stating, “Democrats have never run against a candidate like Ken Paxton that is so corrupt that his own party impeached him. This is someone who does not have the character ... to serve as AG or even as dogcatcher.”
The Texas state House, under GOP control, impeached Paxton in 2023 on serious bribery and corruption charges. The state Senate later acquitted him, but the trial also revealed allegations of an extramarital affair during his tenure as attorney general.
In a shocking twist, Paxton’s wife, a state senator herself, filed for divorce citing “biblical grounds” and “in light of recent discoveries.”
Despite the gravity of the impeachment trial, Paxton refused to testify, denying all allegations and branding them as politically motivated attacks. Following his wife's divorce announcement, he claimed on X that they had “decided to start a new chapter in our lives” amid “countless political attacks.”
Beshear accused Paxton of exploiting his office for personal gain, asserting he would merely act as a “rubber stamp for the president” while neglecting the needs of Texans. “He has shown that as AG,” Beshear stated bluntly.
Texas state Senator James Talarico, who won the Democratic primary, emerged as a more favorable candidate in Beshear’s eyes. Talarico promotes a platform focused on American families, emphasizing healthcare access and community safety amidst rising costs.
Beshear criticized Paxton for launching early attacks against Talarico, suggesting it stemmed from a lack of substance in his own campaign. “And so what does he do? He simply attacks his opponent over and over,” Beshear remarked.
Former Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the situation during the same broadcast, sidestepping direct support for Paxton while asserting he could never back the Democratic nominee. Pence expressed confidence in the GOP's ability to maintain Senate control come November.
“I think in many respects Republicans have lost our way, but Democrats have lost their mind, and I think the reason why we’re going to hold the Senate,” Pence stated.
Beshear also addressed comments made by former First Lady Jill Biden regarding Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump two years prior. He suggested it was reasonable to reflect on Biden’s decision to run for re-election.
“I think it’s fair to look back now, given that Joe Biden did drop out, and say he shouldn’t have run for re-election in the first place,” Beshear said. “You can both compliment him for things he did that helped your state and your people, but also be able to look back and know that was a decision that should have been made differently.”
When asked about his own presidential ambitions for 2028, Beshear stated, “I haven’t ruled it out.” He emphasized his current focus on energizing Democrats to be a voice of reason amid chaos. “It is so important that we win right now.”
