Ken Paxton took 275 out-of-state trips costing Texas $1.9 million minimum

Who's involved

• Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate
• James TalaricoDemocratic opponent in Senate race
• Joshua BlankDirector of research, Texas Politics Project at University of Texas at Austin

The facts

• Paxton took over 275 out-of-state trips to California, Caribbean, and Europe since 2015.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Paxton left approximately 730 workdays blank on official calendars since 2015.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• In 2021, over 90 workdays were blank; in 2024, 112 workdays were blank.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Paxton announced Senate campaign on Fox News, not at local event.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Talarico criticized Paxton for spending July 4 in Great Britain.²
• Paxton's office said calendar entries do not capture calls, negotiations, and case strategy.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Joshua Blank, Texas Politics Project Pattern may make voters question how seriously Paxton took the job.^{1 2}
• James Talarico Paxton focused more on Trump's political movement than Texas issues.²
• Paxton's office Travel required for securing legal settlements from drugmakers and tech companies.^{1 2}
• Mark Penley, former deputy attorney general Paxton was gone a lot, traveling and out of office frequently.¹