All posts tagged "ken paxton"

Ken Paxton slammed for running away when asked about Texas law: 'Let's talk later'

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who's running for Senate, clammed up when he was asked about his state's THC ban.

In a clip posted on Saturday, he was asked by a young man, who didn't appear to be trying to confront Paxton, what he thought about Texas' marijuana ban. President Donald Trump notably endorsed Paxton, who has the Republican nomination for the Senate.

"Uhm. I don't know the details of it," Paxton said. "Let's talk later," he said before turning and bolting from the young man.

Journalist Aaron Rupar noted that Paxton is currently being sued after trying to enforce Texas' ban to the maximum extent possible, "so this is a lie!" Podcaster Joe Rogan also called out Texas Republicans earlier this week for going after marijuana and said it would hurt Paxton's chances of beating James Talarico in the Senate race.

"Kids will turn on you if you tell them they can't smoke weed," Rogan said. "You will f— this place up, and you will turn the whole thing blue."

Similarly, other online reactions called out Paxton for his response in light of his record and embattled Senate campaign.

"Ken Paxton's office has been responsible for litigating every hemp lawsuit since 2019 and currently ongoing," wrote the Texas Cannabis Collective, an advocacy group, in a reaction on X. "He also sued five Texas cities who locally decriminalized marijuana possession through ballot referendum, overturning hundreds of thousands of Texas votes. Ken Paxton's record on cannabis is absolutely abysmal. With this resume, we'd run away from this question too!"

"Uhhh...you don't know the details of a law in the state where you are in charge of enforcing the laws?" asked Sara McGee, a Democratic nominee for a House seat in Texas. "And this particular law is currently involved in litigation involving YOUR office. Y'all."

"Sounds like an awful Attorney General who would be an awful senator," wrote Russell Foster, a former Democratic congressional candidate from Texas. "We don't need that level of lying or stupidity in Congress. If he lies about something as simple as this, can we trust him at all?"

Paxton backers got donations from family vying to buy Epstein's 'Lolita Express': report

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton apparently received donations from a Texas family that once considered buying late financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's "Lolita Express" plane, according to a new report on Tuesday.

A member of the Jaffe family donated nearly $6,000 to groups supporting the Texas Senate candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump after the Epstein files were released to the public, MS NOW reported.

The Jaffe family has appeared in two batches of the Epstein materials, which were released by the Department of Justice, according to MS NOW. Those documents revealed the family had appeared once for reportedly trying to purchase Epstein's notorious private plane, and "once for reportedly associating — according to an anonymous tipster — with scantily clad young women."

The Paxton campaign has not commented to MS NOW on the reporting.

A member of the Jaffe family denied any misconduct to MS NOW. And Doug Jaffe III told the outlet via email that he had "absolutely nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein or the Epstein files."

"I never met Jeffrey Epstein, had no relationship or association with him, and have no knowledge of the anonymous tip you referenced," he said in a written response.

Doug Jaffe III was in the Epstein files, MS NOW reported, and "mentioned in a 2020 anonymous tip call to the FBI National Threat Operations Center alleging possible sex and drug trafficking."

The caller told the FBI that in the early 2000s, Jaffe invited the caller to come to a villa in Mexico owned by his aunt during spring break.

"While there, the anonymous caller said they saw a 'scandalously' dressed young girl, and estimated her age as roughly 11 or 12," MS NOW reported. "Doug told ANON the girl was his niece, which she later found out what [sic] a lie," according to the FBI call log.

"Jaffe also, according to the caller, took the tipster to a club in Acapulco, Mexico, called Palladium, where 'young girls (possibly underage) were brought onto the stage and groped. The girls had their bras removed and breasts fondled,'" MS NOW reported.

The tipster “remembers seeing several of Epstein’s associates in the Villas [sic] guestbook" and reached out to the FBI just in case.

'Brutal': Onlookers amazed as Ken Paxton starts chanting to cover up heckler at rally

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton started chanting "U-S-A" on stage during a rally Wednesday night in a panicked attempt to drown out a person in the crowd trying to confront him over why he gave an Epstein-style sweetheart plea deal to an admitted child molester.

Paxton, President Donald Trump's scandal-plagued pick in the heated Texas Senate race, has been facing scrutiny in the fallout over a plea deal for Adam Dean Hoffman, a 49-year-old attorney accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy for years, according to The Texas Tribune. Hoffman surrendered his law license, and in the deal, he was let out of jail in just days without having to register as a sex offender.

At the event at White Oak Music Hall in north Houston, he faced public questions over the decision.

"Why did you let Adam Hoffman free?" A person in the crowd yelled out at Paxton.

Paxton tried to sway the crowd and divert them to chanting instead.

"I'm going to do a little something different tonight. It's kind of risky," Paxton said, breaking into the patriotic chant.

Just before taking the stage at the event, Paxton had an aide step in between himself and a citizen asking him a critical question: "How come on a government salary you own over 15 houses?" Journalist Aaron Rupar shared video from the encounter.

Social media users called Paxton out over Hoffman and the plea deal.

"In a brutal moment, Ken Paxton’s rally was just interrupted by an attendee mad about Paxton’s Epstein-style deal for a child predator. What a disaster for MAGA," wrote X account Democratic Wins Media, which tracks campaigns and candidates.

"Notice how Paxton had to start the USA chant. His 'supporters' didn’t. Very 'please clap' vibes," wrote X user Mike in Houston, who self-describes as a 35-year veteran of the energy industry.

"If you have to drown out people asking why you released a child rapist by chanting USA, you're the f----- devil," Will Kelly, software recruiter and progressive political commentator, wrote on X.

BREAKING: In a brutal moment, Ken Paxton’s rally was just interrupted by an attendee mad about Paxton’s Epstein-style deal for a child predator. What a disaster for MAGA. pic.twitter.com/IEBTj8UPTr
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) August 6, 2026

Ken Paxton runs away as reporters bombard him over scandals

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's press conference to attack his Democratic rival, state Rep. James Talarico, went off the rails on Tuesday as reporters repeatedly asked him about his own political scandals — ultimately driving him to cut the event off early and run away.

The event was a gathering of Texas sheriffs, intended to focus on police issues and attack Talarico for supposedly wanting to defund law enforcement.

"General, I wanted to give you a chance to respond to State Representative Talarico and his campaign," said one reporter. "They've made a lot about the reports that have come out, one in the New York Times, about you acquiring properties worth—"

"Can we keep this to law enforcement?" Paxton said, cutting him off.

"I'm giving you the opportunity to answer—" the reporter said.

"I'd like to — because we're here with the sheriffs, I'd like to keep today to law enforcement," said Paxton. "So that's what I'm going to hand you. Questions about law enforcement."

Paxton's aide then called on another reporter.

"Will you answer a question about why you voted in Collin County?" asked the reporter. "Clear that up?"

Paxton shook his head with agitation, as his aide said, "So we're just going to do questions on law enforcement today, because we're joined with 22 amazing law enforcement officers."

Shortly after this, as another reporter tried to ask a question, the aide started waving her hand, saying, "We're going to get out of here. We're going to get out of here," as Paxton walked off the stage, leaving the sheriffs to stand around.

Trump's revenge Senate pick caught inflating rally numbers

Ken Paxton, President Donald Trump's scandal-plagued pick in the Texas Senate race, boasted that more than 700 people turned out for his first and only campaign rally — but got fact-checked on the real number of attendees.

The Texas attorney general hosted a rally at the University Draft House in McAllen, Texas, which had a "modest audience, topping off at 100 attendees," myRGV.com reported.

In a post on X, Paxton's campaign had claimed 763 people were at the event.

But according to myRGV.com, the location has a building occupancy of only 150 to 200 people.

The outlet referred to the crowd as "predominantly older, with a few youthful exceptions."

The Republican's opponent, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and state representative James Talarico, has reportedly drawn larger crowds across the Lone Star state.

763 people in McAllen, TX last night! @KenPaxtonTX pic.twitter.com/T19M9WVl5I
— Paxton War Room (@PaxtonsPatriots) July 15, 2026

Ted Cruz showers praise on Dem candidate with 'real chance' of beating Trump pick: report

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) showered praise on the opponent of a Trump-endorsed Senate candidate, according to reports.

While calling in on Thursday to Sean Hannity's radio show, which was being guest-hosted by Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX), Cruz described Democratic candidate James Talarico as "charming" and "affable."

Cruz said Talarico, a state representative, has "a real chance" of beating Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the race to replace Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), according to reporting by the Texas Tribune.

"He sounds like a preacher," Cruz said about Talarico. "I worry about the voters who may not be paying close attention to the issues, who just turn on the TV and say, 'Oh, he seems like a nice young man.'"

During the GOP primary runoff in May, Paxton was endorsed by Trump and beat the long-serving Cornyn. However, controversies surround Paxton, including a since-dismissed felony securities fraud indictment, a 2023 impeachment, a whistleblower corruption scandal, an affair, a divorce, and residency questions. Even Paxton's estranged wife, a state senator, hasn't endorsed him.

"I think this is a real race," Cruz said about the Talarico-Paxton race, according to reporting by The Hill. "I think it's going to be close. I think we're going to win. I think we're going to keep Texas red, but the polling right now shows this is a one- or two-point race."

According to The Hill, recent polling has suggested that the race will be a toss-up. Talarico has already raised a record-breaking $30 million in the second quarter of this year, which is more than triple what Paxton raised from April to June, The Hill reported.

MAGA lawmaker slammed after attempt to capitalize on political scandal backfires

A MAGA congressman tried to capitalize on a political scandal, but it ended up drawing sharp online criticism.

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) tried to weigh in on the scandals involving Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. He appeared on Fox News and took a swipe at Democrats.

"They didn't have a problem with multiple credible allegations of abuse from multiple women," Gill said. "They have had no problem, really unsavory, frankly, disgusting things that he's written on all kinds of social media platforms. We need decent people running for office, not those who are so transparently scumbags."

Gill's comments opened the door to rebukes and reminders about allegations made against Trump and the reputation of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Trump-endorsed candidate running for a Senate seat in Gill's state.

"More than two dozen women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against Donald Trump," pointed out British-American journalist and political talk-show host Mehdi Hasan in a post on X. "Trump was also found liable for sexual abuse by a jury in a civil trial."

"These segments are a stark reminder that Democrats are always held to a standard of perfection while Republicans are held to no standards whatsoever," podcaster and political commentator Hemant Mehta wrote.

Texas Democratic legislative candidate Sara McGee reacted to Gill's comments by writing, "Exactly, Brandon. That's why we're voting James Talarico," who is running against Paxton. "Glad you agree."

"Nice of him to take some time away from photoshopping his Indian wife out of their family photos so that he could weigh in on how Democrats treat women," journalist Heidi N. Moore wrote.

"Wow, another Republican just ripping Trump a new one," conservative political commentator Camille MacKenzie joked. "Is the Republican Party finally turning against their cult leader? LOL"

Trump's revenge pick implodes as new poll 'ringing alarm bells'

A new poll revealed that President Donald Trump's scandal-plagued pick in the Texas Senate race, Attorney General Ken Paxton, might not win his critical election, The Daily Beast reported on Tuesday.

A New York Times/Siena poll of 656 likely Texas voters found that Paxton is tied at 47 percent in the midterm face-off against Democratic candidate James Talarico — and the "toss-up survey is ringing alarm bells for the president’s controversial candidate," according to The Beast.

Trump backed Paxton and turned on longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary.

But now Paxton — and Republicans — could be in trouble.

"However, The New York Times noted there are 'several signs of weakness' for Paxton elsewhere in the poll, suggesting Talarico has a good chance of becoming the first Democrat to win a U.S. Senate race in Texas since 1988 this November," The Beast reported.

If Talarico wins, it could flip the Senate seat blue and give Democrats a potential lead in trying to win back control of the Senate. Democrats have been eyeing the House and working to win back enough seats as the GOP majority decreases and dissatisfaction over the Trump administration could secure Democratic victories.

Paxton has been criticized for his "constant stream of scandals" and has faced multiple accusations of corruption, according to The Beast. Texas Republicans impeached him over fraud and obstruction of justice allegations.

He was seen traveling to Iceland allegedly with "some lady who's not his wife." The woman has been identified as Tracy Duhon, a Christian influencer and mother of seven. Paxton is married to Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, who filed for divorce on "biblical" grounds; however, a state district judge canceled the trial last month.

"The Times/Siena poll found that only 38 percent of likely Texas voters believe Paxton has 'good character,' compared with 56 percent who said the same of Talarico," The Beast reported.

Talarico called Paxton out on Monday after the reports surfaced of the Republican candidate and his alleged mistress.

"Ken Paxton was impeached for taking bribes from donors. He became a multi-millionaire on a government salary. He takes lavish vacations in Iceland while Texans can’t afford the basics. Ken Paxton doesn’t serve us — he serves himself," Talarico wrote on X.

MAGA Senate candidate called out for visiting Iceland with 'some lady who's not his wife'

Texas Attorney General and GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton was questioned on Monday for allegedly traveling with "some lady who's not his wife," in a video shared on social media.

The anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project called out the MAGA candidate in a critical midterm race. Paxton, who was backed by President Donald Trump and beat the president's adversary Sen. John Cornyn, will face off against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November.

Paxton was caught on video traveling with an alleged mistress from Dulles International Airport to Reykjavik, The Daily Mail reported. She was identified by the outlet as Tracy Duhon, a Christian influencer and mother of seven. He is married to Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, who filed for divorce under 'biblical' reasons; however, a state district judge canceled it last month.

In a series of posts on X, The Lincoln Project shared a video of Paxton and criticized the Republican, who has touted "family values" in his campaign.

"Why is @KenPaxtonTX spending the week before the 4th of July in Iceland? He's in one of the most competitive races in the country, and he's not campaigning. Does this sound or look like someone willing to fight for the job or taking the campaign seriously?" The Lincoln Project posted on X.

"This man is saying James Talarico doesn't represent Texas values.....So is this Texas values????" Covie, a political commentator with more than 179,000 followers, wrote on X.

"Someone should put this s--- up on billboards all over Texas," political analyst and strategist Rachel Bitecofer wrote on X.

"We have friends everywhere," Rick Wilson, former GOP strategist and The Lincoln Project co-founder, wrote on X.

Why is @KenPaxtonTX spending the week before the 4th of July in Iceland? He's in one of the most competitive races in the country, and he's not campaigning. Does this sound or look like someone willing to fight for the job or taking the campaign seriously? https://t.co/fQjJbDoZgM
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 29, 2026

MAGA Senate candidate's messy divorce takes an unexpected turn: report

A GOP Senate candidate's divorce took a recent, unexpected turn as he squares off for a critical midterm race.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's divorce trial with his wife, Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, was canceled by a state district judge, according to reporting by The Hill.

In a statement to The Hill, Ken Paxton's attorneys explained, "the parties have made substantial progress towards an amicable resolution of all issues and remain engaged in productive discussions," adding that each side "jointly agreed that a trial setting is no longer necessary."

Ken Paxton is the Trump-endorsed candidate who beat Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and will face off against state Rep. James Talarico in November.

Angela Paxton announced the divorce last year in a social media post, saying the split is happening for "biblical" reasons. Meanwhile, Ken Paxton said last year that he and his wife "decided to start a new chapter in our lives."

The divorce has provided fodder for Democrats against his character. Collin County Judge Lindsey Wynne canceled the divorce trial on the heels of Ken Paxton's resounding victory against Cornyn.

Ken Paxton's attorney said that "a final agreement will be reached in the near future," but his wife's lawyers didn't immediately respond to The Hill for comment.