Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu is sounding the alarm for Republicans in the Texas Senate race, forecasting a likely loss in the Lone Star State even as he strikes a more upbeat tone about the party's national prospects.
Appearing on NewsNation's "Cuomo" Thursday night, Sununu predicted that GOP nominee Ken Paxton would be defeated by Democrat James Talarico in next week's election. "I think Texas is in trouble for Republicans," Sununu said, pointing to Paxton's vulnerabilities as a candidate.
The assessment comes as Democrats see a rare opportunity in Texas, where no Democratic Senate candidate has won since the 1980s. But Paxton's legal and ethical baggage has made him a liability, and Democrats believe Talarico's anti-corruption message is resonating with voters. Sununu's warning echoes concerns raised by Talarico's focus on corruption and the tight race that has emerged in recent polls.
Despite the grim outlook for Texas, Sununu remains more optimistic about the Senate map overall than many in his party. He predicted that "extremists" would lose in key races, suggesting that mainstream Republicans could still hold the chamber. This stands in contrast to efforts by figures like JD Vance to rally the base for Paxton, underscoring the intraparty divide over how to handle the Texas contest.
The Texas race has become a focal point in the battle for Senate control, with national Republicans pouring resources into defending Paxton. Former President Donald Trump has held rallies in the state, attempting to shore up support. However, Sununu's comments suggest that even high-profile backing may not be enough to overcome Paxton's weaknesses.
Political analysts note that broader demographic and economic shifts in Texas could also be eroding the GOP's traditional advantage. If Paxton loses, it would mark a historic breakthrough for Democrats and could reshape the political landscape for years to come.
Sununu's prediction adds to the narrative of a challenging environment for Republicans in Texas, despite the party's national hopes. As Election Day approaches, all eyes are on whether Talarico can pull off what would be a stunning upset.
