Paxton defends Texas Senate bid after GOP defection ad airs

The U.S. Senate race in Texas is tightening ahead of the midterms, with recent polling showing Attorney General Ken Paxton narrowly behind Democratic challenger James Talarico. Paxton addressed the gap on Thursday during an interview on Newsmax.

During the segment, host Rob Finnerty showed Paxton a campaign video from Talarico. The ad features several self-identified Republicans stating that they will not vote for the GOP nominee. One voiceover in the clip says, “I’m a Republican. And I’m passing on Ken Paxton.”

Finnerty noted that Karl Rove and the son and daughter of former President George W. Bush have also indicated support for Talarico. He asked Paxton for his reaction to these prominent defections.

Paxton responded by questioning how long the individuals in the ad had been registered Republicans. He stated he did not believe they represented the majority of the party's voters. He also argued that Talarico cannot prove the corruption claims made in the commercial.

“And obviously James Talarico can’t prove any of what he’s saying,” Paxton said. He added that his opponent avoids discussing records and instead focuses on unproven allegations of corruption, similar to those leveled against former President Donald Trump.

The election will determine control of the U.S. Senate. If Talarico wins next week, he would become the first Democrat elected to the Texas Senate seat since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.