Paxton says Trump’s Iran war and high gas prices hurt Republicans, audio shows

Leaked audio reveals Paxton’s concerns

Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general running as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, admitted in a closed-door fundraising event that rising fuel prices, which he attributes to Donald Trump’s Iran war, are hurting his party.

Paxton said, “It’s not tariffs … it’s the war, it’s gas prices, it’s diesel,” and noted that when diesel exceeds $6 per gallon, voters feel the pinch. He described affordability as the party’s biggest problem heading into next month’s election, citing polling that shows Democrats ahead in many competitive races, including his own.

Campaign messaging under external influence

In a separate audio clip obtained by Politico, Paxton said he feels he has little control over campaign messaging, noting that many decisions come from Washington DC. He also acknowledged that Trump’s Republican midterm convention had “dropped” his polling numbers.

Planned policy responses

Paxton said he is working to lower costs through a proposed tax cut plan that includes healthcare and housing write-offs. He and President Trump will appear together at a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday evening.

Unverified claims

The audio does not confirm the exact impact of the Iran war on fuel prices, nor does it provide independent verification of Paxton’s statements about campaign control or polling data. The Guardian has not yet received a comment from Paxton’s campaign.