Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Jesse Watters Says Ken Paxton Faces a “Whiff of Corruption” in Texas Senate Race
Fox News host Jesse Watters criticized Ken Paxton during a discussion of the Texas race for the U.S. Senate.
Paxton, a Republican, is running against Democrat James Talarico, who appeared at a CNN town hall while Paxton did not.
Watters said Talarico had lost campaign momentum after missing nine days while recovering from the flu.
But he also said Paxton’s reputation could make voters hesitate, describing a “whiff of corruption” around him.
Watters said some Texans were reluctant to vote for Paxton, even though they opposed Talarico.
The exchange highlighted Republican concern about Paxton’s appeal in a race where Watters said his party’s greater financial resources could matter.
The town hall was held ahead of the November midterm elections, when voters will choose between the candidates.
Fox News host Jesse Watters said Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton had a “whiff of corruption around him.”
Watters said Paxton still had a chance to win but was off-putting to some voters.
The comments came during a discussion of Democratic candidate James Talarico’s CNN town hall appearance.
Paxton was invited to the town hall but did not attend.
The town hall was part of coverage ahead of Texas voters’ November Senate election.
- Who
- Fox News host Jesse Watters discussed Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.
- What
- Watters said Paxton had a “whiff of corruption around him” while discussing the Texas Senate race.
- When
- Thursday, October 15, 2026.
- Where
- On Fox News’ The Five.
- Why
- The panel was discussing Talarico’s CNN town hall appearance and the Senate race.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
James Talarico appeared at a CNN town hall; Paxton had been invited but did not attend.
Watters discussed Paxton and Talarico on The Five.
- Candidates
- Ken Paxton, Republican; James Talarico, Democrat
- Watters’ assessment
- Paxton had a “whiff of corruption around him
- Town hall
- CNN hosted James Talarico on Wednesday night
- Election timing
- November midterm elections
What people are saying
Right, but he’s running against Paxton, and Paxton has a lazy eye and this whiff of corruption around him
Even though he was the best attorney general in the country for the last eight years, there’s just something off-putting about him
Thank God we have more money than they do, or else this could be curtains for Republicans
Posts on X
Compagno: Talarico appears weak or horrifying. Watters: Yeah but Paxton has a lazy eye and this whiff or corruption around him. There’s just something off-putting about him.