Former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) delivered a sharp rebuke of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), the state’s Republican Senate candidate, during a Sunday interview, arguing that Paxton’s character should disqualify him from higher office.
Speaking with Chris Stirewalt on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Manchin was asked about James Talarico, the Democratic candidate in the Texas Senate race. While Manchin admitted he was unfamiliar with Talarico and expressed reservations about some of his positions, he quickly pivoted to a forceful condemnation of Paxton.
“I don’t know that young man and things he’s said I’m discouraged about, but I can tell you, if character means anything, you can’t vote for Ken Paxton, if character means anything, because he has none,” Manchin said. “So, you have a situation there.”
Paxton’s political career has been shadowed by controversy. The Texas House impeached him on corruption charges, though the Texas Senate later acquitted him. That episode remains a central line of attack for Democrats and even some Republicans who question his fitness for office.
Despite Texas’s strong Republican lean, recent polling suggests the race is competitive. A survey by the NBC 5 Dallas/Telemundo Station Group found Talarico leading Paxton 46 percent to 43 percent among registered voters. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as a “toss up,” a striking development in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in decades.
The national environment is adding to GOP worries. President Trump’s approval rating has slumped to 38.8 percent, with 59.6 percent disapproving, according to a Decision Desk HQ polling average. The unpopular war in Iran is nearing its seventh month, and cost-of-living concerns continue to weigh on voters. Recent surveys also show Republicans trailing Democrats on key issues like immigration and health care.
Manchin’s comments come as Texas Democrats seek to capitalize on these dynamics. The party faces structural challenges, including a voter registration backlog that could complicate midterm preparations, but they see an opening against a scandal-plagued opponent.
Paxton’s campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Hill. The race is expected to draw national attention as both parties battle for control of the Senate.
For now, Manchin’s remarks underscore the degree to which character issues are shaping the contest. “If character means anything,” he said, “you can’t vote for Ken Paxton.”
