Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate, privately acknowledged that elevated fuel prices tied to military actions and broader economic conditions are creating challenges for his party in the upcoming midterm elections, according to audio recordings obtained by news outlets.
At closed-door fundraising events, Paxton identified fuel costs as a major liability for Republicans. When asked what issues were hindering his campaign, he cited the war, gas prices, and diesel costs, noting that prices exceeding $6 per gallon were creating financial strain for voters. He characterized affordability as the Republican Party’s “biggest problem” heading into the election and referenced polling data showing Democrats ahead in numerous competitive races, including his own Texas Senate contest against Democrat James Talarico.
Parton indicated his sense that many factors affecting the race were beyond his control, stating he did not make decisions related to fuel pricing and war policy. He noted attempting to address affordability concerns through his own policy proposals, including tax cuts focused on healthcare and housing deductions.
Republican polling data presents a difficult landscape for the party. According to recent surveys from the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, approximately 74% of Americans view the economy negatively, with 65% of respondents attributing higher costs directly to Trump administration policies. Trump has countered such characterizations, contending his administration has accomplished more to reduce everyday costs than Democrats.
The leaked recordings represent part of a broader pattern, with multiple audio clips surfacing in recent weeks in which Paxton has offered critical assessments of his political situation. Previous recordings showed him saying he felt unusually limited control over campaign messaging, with decisions emanating from Washington. The Trump campaign has scheduled a rally with Paxton in San Antonio, while Paxton’s campaign spokesperson dismissed the latest recording as inconsequential, restating standard Republican messaging about economic relief and contrasting his proposals with his opponent’s positions.
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