Ken Paxton Heard In Leaked Audio Blaming Iran War For Struggling Senate Run After Publicly Defending US Involvement

Daily Caller · The Guardian and The Guardian report that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee, was caught on leaked audio conceding that the Iran war and high fuel costs are hurting his campaign. The recording, first reported by Axios, comes from a closed-door fundraising event, and it lands as President Donald Trump prepares to appear with Paxton at a San Antonio rally Wednesday evening.

Asked what was weighing on his bid, Paxton said tariffs were not the cause; the war and fuel prices were. He put diesel above $6 a gallon and called affordability his party's biggest problem before the November election. The Guardian adds that he described many factors in the race as beyond his control. Both outlets say he pointed to his tax cut plan, with a bigger child tax credit and new deductions for health care and housing, as what he can offer.

Paxton spokesperson Madison Cercy dismissed the matter as "a non-story," saying gas and diesel costs really are too high, and argued that Democrat James Talarico would raise taxes.

The Daily Caller adds that Paxton had defended the military action in March.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Daily Caller · The Guardian and The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at Daily Caller · The Guardian → Also at The Guardian →