Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton speaks during Saturday’s MAGA Majority Force block walk in San Antonio. Credit: X / Paxton War Room

Social media users are ripping Ken Paxton, Texas’ Republican attorney general, for rocking a $41,000 watch during a San Antonio campaign stop this Saturday as he tries to drum up support for his U.S. Senate campaign.

The barrage of insults comes as questions swirl around how Paxton amassed a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio on a $150,000-a-year state salary — and as the GOP continues to fret about his viability against Democratic rival, Austin-area state Rep. James Talarico.

Paxton appeared in the Alamo City as part of a “MAGA Majority Force” block-walking event.

In a clip, posted on X by the Paxton War Room account, Paxton is seen sporting a golf shirt from the Orlando Four Seasons resort, oversized loafers and what appears to be a $41,000 Aerofusion King Gold watch.

“[T]he future of our state and the future of our country ride on this race,” Paxton murmurs in the six-second clip. “So, I am out fighting…”

Talarico was quick to take a dig Paxton’s outfit choice.

“Nothing says you understand the affordability crisis like wearing a $41,000 watch and a Four Seasons polo,” Talarico tweeted while reshaing a photo of his opponent and his spiffy watch.

It’s not just Paxton’s wardrobe that’s made the clip go viral, though.​

Several X users, including @mmpadellan, commented on Paxton’s “stage presence,” comparing his demeanor to the excitement one feels when reading a “Terms and Conditions” agreement.

Meanwhile, other users, including @AllegraEHobbs, noted that Paxton appeared to lack urgency.

And a lack of urgency is the last thing Paxton needs right now.

Recent polls show Talarico leading the race by an average of two percentage points, according to the RealClearPolitics Poll Average. Beyond that, Talarico outraised his Republican opponent by a 3-1 margin, according to the most recent campaign finance filings.

President Donald Trump, who endorsed Paxton over incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn during the race’s primary, even flew to Texas last week to help his boy raise money.

“We’re working very hard. We want to win that race,” Trump said, according to the Texas Tribune.

On Monday, Paxton launched his Students for Paxton initiative at campuses across the state, including Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Tarleton State University, Texas State University and Angelo State University.

The chapters will serve as hubs for students who want to get involved in the campaign.

“These young conservatives understand what is at stake, and with their help, we are going to win this election, keep Texas red, and make sure the next generation inherits a strong America,” Paxton said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Talarico’s campaign is going all-in with just two months until the election, launching his first attack ad against his rival. The 30-second ad focuses on Paxton’s $9 million real estate portfolio and the 2023 impeachment vote against him in the Texas House.​

Talarico is also busy campaigning, making a stop in Kerrville on Monday and a stop at San Antonio’s Backyard on Broadway on Tuesday as part of his New American Dream tour.

Sign Up for SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Or sign up for our RSS Feed

​

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...