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Ken Paxton addresses leaked audio from September fundraiser

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican Senate candidate, appeared on Fox News to respond to leaked audio recordings from a late September D.C. fundraiser. The leaked recordings showed him making critical comments about Donald Trump and other topics, which his campaign says were taken out of context.

Where
Statewide
When
Late September 2026 (fundraiser); October 12, 2026 (Fox News appearance)
Sources
Reported by 3 outlets

Taxes and money

None stated in sources.

Does this affect you?

Who's involved

  • Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General, Republican Senate candidate
  • James TalaricoDemocratic opponent in Senate race
  • Donald TrumpReferenced for campaign support
  • John CornynIncumbent senator beaten by Paxton in runoff
  • Angela PaxtonKen Paxton's wife, state Senator

The facts

  • Paxton appeared on Fox News on October 12 to respond to leaked audio recordings1
  • At least five embarrassing leaked audio recordings came from a single D.C. fundraiser in late September1
  • One leak showed Paxton criticizing Trump's appearance at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas1
  • Paxton told Fox News: 'Just because they were able to clip a few things doesn't mean that's actually what I meant'1
  • Paxton beat Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff after winning Trump's endorsement1
  • Paxton faced impeachment in the Texas House in 2023 over allegations he abused his office1
  • The Texas Senate later acquitted Paxton in the impeachment proceeding1
  • Paxton told Hearst Newspapers his faith guides his leadership and decisions for Texans2

Who said what

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

  • Ken Paxton I have supported President Trump, I love President Trump.1
  • Ken Paxton He's been out working extremely hard to help me get elected.1
  • Ken Paxton Trump's war on Iran and widespread unaffordability hurt campaign numbers.1
  • Michelle Smith (Paxton adviser) Paxton hadn't attended Prestonwood Baptist Church in years as of March 2026.2
  • State Rep. Mitch Little Paxton's faith is deep and meaningful.2

Where the sources disagree

  • Ken Paxton's church attendance pattern Haven't attended Prestonwood in years per adviser [2]; visited various churches during campaign [2]; practices faith at churches across Texas per Paxton statement [2]

How they headlined it

The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.

  • Most Texan voters are either ‘extremely’ concerned that Senate candidate Ken Paxton

    www.wonderwall.com

  • Must-Win MAGA Candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Cornered on Flood of Embarrassing Leaks

    The Daily Beast

  • Texas Senate Candidate Ken Paxton Addresses Audio Leaks From D.C. Fundraiser

    Yahoo

  • Must-Win MAGA Christian Ken Paxton Cornered Over Truth About Faith

    The Daily Beast

  • Must-Win MAGA Christian Cornered Over Truth About Faith

    Yahoo

  • Must-Win MAGA Texas Senate Candidate Ken Paxton Busted Partying in Dubai With Lover

    The Daily Beast

Sources

Outlets: 2 left-leaning Only left-leaning outlets reported this Who's covering Texas →

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.

  1. Must-Win MAGA Candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Cornered on Flood of Embarrassing Leaks The Daily Beast Left, October 12, 2026
  2. Must-Win MAGA Christian Cornered Over Truth About Faith Yahoo Lean Left, October 12, 2026

Also reported by www.wonderwall.com.

This sheet was written by AI from the sources above and adds nothing they don't state. Read the originals for full context.

Spot an error on this sheet?

All corrections and updates

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Bexar and Brazoria counties hold county judge races on November 3

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

Reported by 2 outletsFound via Google News

Texas counties prepare election security measures ahead of early voting

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

Reported by 2 outletsFound via Google News

Democratic and Republican Senate candidates report third-quarter campaign fundraising totals

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

Reported by 5 outletsFound via Google News

Elon Musk donates $158 million to support Ken Paxton Senate campaign

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

Reported by 5 outletsFound via Google News

Talarico's former classmate accuses him of prioritizing politics over truth

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

Reported by 2 outletsOnly right-leaning outlets reported thisFound via Google News

Senate candidate Talarico schedules El Paso campaign rally October 26

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

Reported by 4 outletsFound via Google News

"No Kings" organizers hold vote early event in Dallas Saturday

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

Reported by 4 outletsFound via Google News

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