‘Don’t Know’ Him: John Kennedy Does Not Say Yes When Asked If Ken Paxton ‘Has Character To Serve’ In Senate

Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy declined on Sunday to vouch for the character of Ken Paxton, the GOP's Senate nominee in neighboring Texas. Asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" by Kristen Welker whether Paxton has what it takes to serve in the Senate, Kennedy said the choice belongs to Texas voters and that he knows neither Paxton nor Democratic opponent James Talarico. Pressed on whether he lacked confidence in Paxton's character, he described the contest as an unpopularity competition. Kennedy still expects Paxton to win, given the state's Republican tilt, but predicted a very tight finish, according to Daily Caller.

Welker raised the Texas attorney general's troubles, including corruption allegations that led to a 2023 impeachment trial ending in acquittal, and an affair he has acknowledged. His wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce in July on biblical grounds, yet she appears in a campaign ad urging support for the Republican ticket without naming him.

Polling suggests a close race. A late September New York Times/Siena survey gave Talarico a 51 percent to 46 percent edge, though Trump carried Texas by 13 points in 2024. Cook Political Report calls it a toss-up. Paxton beat Sen.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Daily Caller’s reporting. Read the full story at Daily Caller →