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Public disputes concerning political parties, public officials, institutions, political conduct, and governance in the United States.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
4 statements on this page. Dates: February 28, 2026 to October 11, 2026
4 matching statements. Dates: February 28, 2026 to October 11, 2026
4 published statements. Dates: February 28, 2026 to October 11, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: February 28, 2026 to October 8, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: February 28, 2026 to October 8, 2026
Role at the time: Texas attorney general and Republican U.S. Senate candidate
Response to this claim
Talarico's campaign absence warrants Paxton's demand for proof of life.
“My campaign has a simple request: proof of life.”
Paxton criticizes Talarico's absence from in-person campaign events and demands proof of life.
The matter under scrutiny is Paxton's attack on the campaign absence. Paxton repeats his campaign's demand, affirming that scrutiny rather than withdrawing it.
Role at the time: Texas Attorney General; candidate for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, Texas
Statement summary
Paxton praised President Trump's decision to strike Iran as 'courageous leadership,' framing the operation as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“Thank you President Trump for your courageous leadership. For years, Iran has terrorized the world and threatened our nation's existence, and it's critical that the evil regime is never able to obtain a nuclear weapon. Praying for our brave men and women in uniform.”
KXAN roundup of Texas officials' reactions to the February 28, 2026 U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran (Operation Epic Fury), including statements from James Talarico and Ken Paxton.
Explicitly praises and justifies the military operation as necessary for U.S. security.
1 published statement. Dates: October 11, 2026
1 statement on this page. Dates: October 11, 2026
Role at the time: Texas attorney general and Republican nominee for U.S. Senate
Response to this claim
The New York Times story about the Paxton recording is "manipulated nonsense" meant to create a story that does not exist.
“So just because they were able to clip a few things doesn't mean that that's actually what I meant.”
Newsweek report on Paxton's October 11, 2026, appearance on Fox News' The Big Weekend Show, where he was asked about the recording, with a recap of the recording and earlier responses.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The reference point is Paxton's recorded remark that the Dallas midterm convention "dropped our numbers." Paxton says the clip "doesn't mean that that's actually what I meant", disputing the interpretation of his words, so we labeled it Challenged characterization. The closest competing label is Denied; it loses because he does not deny making the remark or say the numbers did not drop.
1 published statement. Dates: September 13, 2026
1 statement on this page. Dates: September 13, 2026
Role at the time: Attorney General of Texas and Republican Senate nominee posting on his own account
Statement summary
Asked directly to condemn French's post, Paxton said he condemns racism in all its forms and then accused Talarico of dividing Texans by race, without addressing French's post.
“I condemn racism in all its forms, including James Talarico saying white men are America's top terror threat and that he prays to overcome his own 'whiteness,' whatever that means. Only one person in this race has a history of dividing Texans by race, and it’s James Talarico. I will continue to focus on uniting our State and bringing together the broadest possible coalition to fight for Texas, our values, and our families.”
Post published 5:48 PM ET on September 13, 2026, quote-posting James Talarico's direct challenge to condemn French's post. Paxton does not characterize French's post.
The conduct under scrutiny is French's UT fan post. Paxton was challenged directly about it and neither condemned nor defended it, offering a general condemnation of racism while redirecting to his opponent. That is why this is mixed rather than a condemnation.
