Beshear Says Texas Senate Race Is in Play After Paxton's 2026 Primary Win

1 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 31

Andy Beshear said Democrats can compete for Texas' Senate seat after Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in last week's Republican primary, arguing Paxton is uniquely vulnerable in a general election.
2023 impeachment proceedings underpin that case: the GOP-led Texas House impeached Paxton on bribery and corruption charges before the state Senate acquitted him, while Paxton has denied wrongdoing and called the allegations political.
James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, was cast by Beshear as a candidate focused on prices, healthcare and public safety, while Beshear said Paxton has little to offer beyond attacks on his opponent.
Mike Pence stopped short of endorsing Paxton on NBC's Meet the Press, saying only that he could never vote for the Democratic nominee and that Republicans would still hold the Senate in November.
Beshear also said Joe Biden should not have sought re-election in 2024 and added he has not ruled out a 2028 presidential run.

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