Paxton, Platner Court Senate Allies in Washington as 53-47 Majority Hinges on Contested 2026 Races
Updated
Updated · The Canadian Press News · Jun 3
Paxton, Platner Court Senate Allies in Washington as 53-47 Majority Hinges on Contested 2026 Races
3 articles · Updated · The Canadian Press News · Jun 3
Washington meetings put Ken Paxton and Graham Platner before top party figures Tuesday as both try to reassure allies that scandal-hit campaigns can still win pivotal Senate races.
Paxton's trip includes a White House meeting with Donald Trump and a fundraiser with a $1,000 minimum donation, even after Senate Republicans had backed John Cornyn and warned Paxton could struggle against Democrat James Talarico.
Platner met Democratic senators including campaign chair Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, who brushed past questions about reports of explicit texts and marital problems while insisting Democrats can beat Susan Collins.
Both candidates are advancing with uneven party support: Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren still back Platner, while John Fetterman mocked his controversies; Republicans including Ted Cruz and Roger Marshall are helping Paxton raise money.
The outreach reflects higher stakes for November, with Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate edge, Democrats eyeing Collins' Maine seat, and Texas newly viewed by some Republicans as more competitive than expected.