Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate in a prominent Senate race, faced scrutiny over past controversies during a Fox News segment on Thursday. While appearing on Special Report, broadcast live from the GOP’s inaugural midterm convention in Dallas, host Bret Baier addressed the issues raised by Paxton’s Democratic challenger, state Representative James Talarico.
During the interview, Baier pointed out that Talarico frequently emphasizes Paxton’s legal issues at campaign events. Baier displayed a series of graphics illustrating Paxton’s challenges, stating, “He goes down a list of legal troubles you’ve had.” These graphics, shown on the conservative network, included past allegations and legal battles that Paxton denied.
Among these allegations are a 2015 indictment for securities fraud, which was dropped following a pretrial agreement in 2024, and 2016 federal fraud charges dismissed in the following year. Additionally, in 2020, seven staff members accused Paxton of accepting bribes and abusing his office. In 2023, he was impeached by the Republican Texas House for allegedly misusing power to assist friends and donors. However, the Texas State Senate acquitted him of all impeachment articles in the same year. In 2025, he was ordered to pay $6.6 million to four former employees under the Texas Whistleblower Act.
Such controversies offer Talarico and the Democrats a strong opportunity to challenge Paxton in Texas, a state traditionally dominated by Republican candidates. Winning just four Senate seats would let Democrats regain Senate control, with competitive races occurring in Texas and other Republican-leaning states.
Republicans are facing electoral challenges as the party in power often loses seats in midterm elections. Additionally, concerns about the economy and conflict with Iran have affected Trump’s approval ratings.
Comparison to Trump’s Experience
Baier questioned Paxton on voters’ potential concerns regarding his lengthy legal history. Paxton responded by likening his legal experiences to those of former President Donald Trump. “When you’re fighting, they come after you,” he said, citing Trump’s two impeachments and various indictments.
Paxton remarked, “Look at Donald Trump. He had many more indictments than I did. He had two impeachments.” He suggested that, like his own cases, Trump’s charges were unresolved, some dismissed, and others not proven.
Trump, before securing a second White House term in 2024, faced four criminal cases. He was convicted in May 2024 on 34 felony counts related to payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Other cases, involving election interference and document mishandling, were either resolved or dropped.
Impeached twice during his first term, Trump faced allegations of power abuse, Congressional obstruction, and insurrection incitement. The Senate acquitted him both times.
For further information on this topic, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards.
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