Texas Sen. Ted Cruz condemns Republicans ‘throwing rocks’ at Ken Paxton in closely watched Senate race against James Talarico: ‘Don’t hand Texas over to a communist lunatic’
Sen. Ted Cruz issued a blunt warning to Republicans criticizing Texas GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton on Fox News as concerns mount over the party’s chances of holding the seat in November.
Battle for Texas
Paxton is set to face Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico in November in what Cruz acknowledged has developed into a competitive race.
“This race is a very real fight. It is serious. The polling that’s coming out all shows the race basically tied,” Cruz said on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle.
Recent polling has fueled Republican concerns. A recent Texas Southern University survey showed Talarico leading Paxton in three congressional districts, including districts President Donald Trump carried by double digits in the 2024 presidential election.
Host Laura Ingraham said she has also heard concerns from Texas voters about Paxton’s campaign.
“I spend a lot of time in Texas,” Ingraham said. “I’ve talked to a lot of voters, some friends and some people who, you know, like Paxton, don’t think he’s a great campaigner, wondering when he’s gonna start really campaigning, wondering when Republicans are really gonna put big money into this and kinda just annoyed by the whole thing.”
Demanding Republicans ‘do more’
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also urged Trump on Fox News to “do more” to help Paxton through his super PAC, MAGA Inc.
Thune backed Sen. John Cornyn during the Republican primary, which Paxton ultimately won following an expensive and bruising campaign.
Cruz argued that Republicans should now put their primary divisions aside and rally around the nominee.
“I’ve gotta say, some of the Republicans that are throwing rocks at Ken Paxton, my message to them is enough! Stop your b****ing! We had a $200 million primary and Ken won. And one of the reasons the numbers are close is cause $200 million of attack ads were run against him and that does damage,” he explained.
John Cornyn criticizes Ken Paxton
Cornyn recently indicated that he does not intend to help his former primary rival.
“He’s lazy and doesn’t raise money. And he basically is not offering a very compelling case for his election. He’s making this harder than it needs to be,” Cornyn told The Texas Tribune.
Cruz insisted Republicans cannot afford continued infighting as November approaches. “My answer to everyone whining: Shut up and support the nominee and don’t hand Texas over to a communist lunatic,” he said.