Trump Comments on Paxton's Appearance While Supporting His Campaign in Texas

President Donald Trump on Wednesday provided a critical assessment of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s physical appearance but affirmed his commitment to campaign for the Texas Senate nominee and other Republican candidates in competitive races ahead of the November elections. Paxton is running against Democratic nominee James Talarico and is among several GOP candidates facing tight contests as Republicans aim to maintain slim majorities in both chambers of Congress this fall. During a Rose Garden dinner with GOP lawmakers from swing districts, Trump expressed his intention to support Paxton and numerous other candidates in the final 30 days leading up to the November 3 elections. He remarked on Paxton’s style, stating, "you might not like the way he looks," but emphasized his political capabilities, calling him "the best attorney general in the country." Trump stated, "So Ken Paxton, you might not like the way he dresses, and I say this — it’s so insulting to him, but I might as well say it. You might not like the way he looks. You might not love his look. You might not love his television interviews, but he was the best attorney general in the country — perhaps he was one of the best in the entire country, and that speaks a lot louder than the suit he’s wearing that doesn’t look so great, or than anything." He added, "Everybody admits it. He was a great attorney general in Texas. We’re going to go to Texas and work for Ken Paxton, who’s a great guy." Trump also indicated plans to target 35 races nationwide in the upcoming month and mentioned the possibility of conducting multiple "tele town halls" in one night. In Texas, Paxton is currently trailing Talarico by under 3 percentage points, according to the 270toWin average of polling data. Polling results show a mixed picture of the race, with some surveys indicating Talarico is ahead, others showing a tie, and one suggesting Paxton is leading. Trump stated, "It’s all about 35 races. I’m going to go to every one of those 35 places, and we’re going to see if we can get everyone elected. You know, I think it’s work. Then we’re going to do the tele town halls. They’re fantastic. They work amazingly." He emphasized the importance of the final 30 days of campaigning, relying on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to provide a list of candidates in close races. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) noted the necessity of Trump’s resources for a successful campaign in Texas, highlighting the significant fundraising efforts from both Paxton and Talarico’s campaigns, which have raised nearly a combined $100 million. Thune stated, "Because Texas is such an expensive state, we’re going to need the president and his team to be engaged there and to be putting resources into that race."