Texas Senate Race Narrows as Paxton Questions Republican Defectors

Ken Paxton appeared on a conservative news network on Thursday to address a new attack ad from his Democratic opponent, James Talarico. The video features self-identified Republicans who state they will not vote for the GOP nominee in the upcoming midterm election.

Newsmax host Rob Finnerty played the clip for Paxton during the interview. Each person in the advertisement says, "I'm a Republican. And I'm passing on Ken Paxton."

Finnerty challenged the Texas Attorney General by noting that Karl Rove and Neil Bush also support Talarico. He asked Paxton for his reaction to these high-profile defections from the party.

Paxton responded that he was unsure how long the individuals in the ad had been members of the Republican Party. He stated he did not believe they represented the majority of GOP voters in the state.

The nominee also criticized his opponent's strategy. Paxton claimed Talarico cannot prove his claims and avoids discussing his own record. He argued the Democrat relies on unproven accusations of corruption, comparing the strategy to previous attacks on President Trump.

Recent polling data indicates a tight race in Texas. If Talarico wins the election next week, he will become the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from the state since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.