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.
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
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