Audio recording obtained by CNN captured Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican Senate candidate, saying at a September 24 fundraiser in Washington that Senator John Cornyn was not helping his campaign and wanted him to lose. Paxton recounted a Dallas restaurant encounter where Cornyn allegedly said Republicans needed to teach others a lesson through consequences. Cornyn's representative denied the restaurant conversation occurred.
Where
Statewide
When
Sept. 24, 2026
Sources
Reported by 6 outlets
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Republican spending in Texas general electionwell over $100 million45Who pays or receives it: Republicans
Who's involved
Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate
John CornynOutgoing U.S. Senator from Texas
Rob JesmerRepresentative for Senator Cornyn
James TalaricoDemocratic state representative running against Paxton in Senate race
CNNObtained audio recording from attendee
The facts
Paxton made comments at a Sept. 24 fundraiser in Washington about Cornyn's support.45Stated by 2 sources
Audio recording was obtained by CNN from an attendee who opposes Paxton.45Stated by 2 sources
Paxton said Cornyn wanted him to lose and was not helping his campaign.45Stated by 2 sources
Paxton publicly said he would love to have Cornyn's support after their primary runoff.45Stated by 2 sources
Cornyn's representative denied the restaurant conversation Paxton described occurred.5
Talarico is the Democratic candidate Paxton faces in the Senate race.45Stated by 2 sources
Trump stood behind his endorsement of Paxton following the leaked audio.1
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Ken Paxton Cornyn clearly not helping, wants me to lose.45
Ken Paxton Cornyn told a friend that Paxton would lose and Republicans need to learn consequences.45
Rob Jesmer (Cornyn representative) Restaurant conversation with Paxton's account did not happen.5
Rob Jesmer (Cornyn representative) If Cornyn wanted Paxton to lose, he would be more active in campaign.5
Where the sources disagree
Whether a Dallas restaurant conversation between Cornyn and Paxton's friend occurred Paxton said it happened per [4,5]; Cornyn representative Jesmer said it did not happen per [5]
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
Trump Asked Whether He Regrets Ken Paxton Endorsement After Leaked Audio
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
Elon Musk donated $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund in September 2026, which transferred the money to Texas PAC to finance advertising supporting Republican Ken Paxton in his Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
$$158 million for donation to Senate Leadership Fund
Elon Musk, Donor; Ken Paxton, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic Senate candidate and 3 more
Mike Garcia, a former college classmate of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, appeared on Fox News to accuse Talarico of putting political ambitions ahead of truthfulness.
James Talarico, Democratic Texas Senate candidate; Mike Garcia, former college classmate making accusation; Will Cain, Fox News host
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico announced a campaign rally in El Paso on October 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event is part of his "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts" statewide tour ahead of the November 3 election.
James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General
Organizers of the "No Kings" movement held a gathering in Dallas to encourage early voting. The event included speakers, music, community activities, voting information, and election volunteer opportunities.
Indivisible Dallas, organizer of Dallas gathering; Black Voters Matter Texas, participating organization