Can Ken Paxton Win a Senate Primary in Texas Without His Biggest Donors?
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, initially estimated needing $20 million to defeat Senator John Cornyn but is currently falling short of this fundraising goal.
- Many of Paxton's traditional wealthy donors, including prominent businessmen and billionaire oilmen, have largely refrained from supporting his Senate campaign or associated political action committees.
- The fundraising gap highlights a divide within the Republican Party between business-oriented conservatives backing Cornyn and the hard-right base supporting Paxton.
- Despite his financial disadvantage, Paxton remains competitive in the race, illustrating the limited impact of campaign spending when candidates are well-known and receive significant free media coverage.
- The runoff election between Paxton and Cornyn is scheduled for May 26.
