George W. Bush Attends GOP Fundraiser, Does Not Support Ken Paxton

<figure><img alt="Former President George W. Bush attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, in John Lewis Plaza, on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MQZBHP43WNHJVCD55LB7RQNKUQ.jpg?auth=139f3daff9b0dbd5950a69ea0ea2b8c82c546d1ab42afceca390cf192236890a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1688" /><figcaption>Taylor Hill/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Former President George W. Bush attended a Republican fundraising event in Dallas on September 21, 2026, supporting various GOP midterm candidates but did not endorse Ken Paxton, who is running for the Texas Senate seat. The event was hosted by Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn, who previously lost to Paxton in a costly GOP Senate primary, according to a report by The New York Times.</p><p>The fundraiser was organized by the Maintain the Majority committee to support GOP Senate incumbents and candidates in states such as Iowa, Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Maine.</p><p>Despite the presence of established Republicans, the event did not publicly endorse Texas Attorney General Paxton, who has faced significant controversy and scrutiny. Analysts suggest that his candidacy could allow a Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas for the first time in decades during the upcoming election on November 3.</p><p>Polls indicate that Democrat James Talarico is currently leading Paxton in a closely watched Senate race, which could impact the balance of power in the Senate if Talarico wins. Concerns have been raised among Republicans that Paxton's candidacy may jeopardize their chances of retaining a traditionally Republican seat in Texas.</p><p>In 2023, Paxton was impeached by the Texas House on charges of corruption, bribery, and obstruction of justice but was acquitted by the Texas Senate. He continues to face allegations of corruption, and personal issues have also arisen, including a divorce filing by his wife citing “biblical grounds” after rumors of an affair.</p><p>Additionally, other prominent Republicans, such as strategist Karl Rove, have publicly distanced themselves from MAGA candidates, with Rove stating he would vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal over Republican Bo French for a position on the Texas Railroad Commission.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to Ken Paxton’s office for comment.</p>