Paxton floats exiting Senate runoff if GOP passes voter ID
The Texas Tribune8 hrs
Paxton Offers to Exit Senate Race for Filibuster Deal on SAVE America Act
Is Paxton's Senate exit offer a selfless act for voter integrity or a desperate escape from his scandal-plagued record?
Above: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate in Fort Worth, Texas, on Feb. 28. Image credit: Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Paxton's willingness to sacrifice his Senate ambitions for the SAVE America Act proves his unwavering commitment to President Trump's agenda over personal gain. This selfless offer exposes the cowardice of establishment Republicans who refuse to eliminate the filibuster and deliver for the president. No one has fought harder for President Trump — particularly on voter integrity — than Paxton, and his loyalty deserves respect.
Pro-establishment narrative
Paxton's desperate Senate exit offer can't erase his disqualifying record of securities fraud indictments, mortgage fraud across multiple states and impeachment by his own party. His pattern of using public office for personal benefit makes him an electoral liability who could cost Republicans the seat and drag down the entire ticket. The choice is clear — a proven conservative leader in Cornyn or a scandal-plagued candidate in Paxton.
Narrative C
Sadly, Ken Paxton’s offer — putting the country ahead of political games — only underscores why he’s the stronger candidate and must stay in the race. Trump should endorse Paxton to push him over the top on May 26, especially since the divorce disclosures have proven to be a non-factor. The fight for voter integrity is here and now, and dropping out will only hand control of the SAVE Act to untrustworthy skeptics like Thune.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0