Best of the Program | 9/1/26

The most expensive Senate primary in American history was decided by a 64-to-36 margin. Republican voters in Texas looked at Ken Paxton—a sitting attorney general who had been impeached by a Republican House, investigated, and whose personal life had been scrutinized—and they chose him anyway. They had the argument, they had the trial, and the jury came back. But now, with the general election approaching and three straight public polls showing Democrat Colin Allred running even or ahead, the national Republican apparatus has essentially decided not to fight for Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund announced a record $500 million for this cycle, and Texas isn't on the list. MAGA Inc. is sitting on north of $400 million, and not a dollar has hit a Texas station. The party that spent $120 million attacking Paxton in the primary now can't find the checkbook for the general.

The 51st Vote