Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Ken Paxton’s team has canceled at least three campaign events amid reports of low turnout at a spate of rallies aimed at closing the deal with Texas voters.
Paxton even had a Jeb Bush-esque moment during a stop at Mama’s Kitchen in Odessa on Wednesday, where he received only one clap during a rambling answer about a lawsuit he won during his tenure as Texas attorney general.
“Thank you. Thank for you for that one clap,” Paxton told the crowd.
Paxton faced online mockery later that day after posts on social media pointed out that only a “few dozen” supporters turned out for his San Angelo campaign event. The humiliation continued that night as a stop in Abilene reportedly brought in even fewer attendees.
Paxton’s campaign blamed the event cancellations in El Paso, Texarkana and Tyler on logistical shifts, rapid scheduling changes and an opportunity to appear alongside Vice President JD Vance in Weatherford on Thursday.
However, JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Paxton’s rival in the race, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, shared an alternate theory.
“No one’s going to Ken Paxton’s rallies, so he’s canceling them and hoping Elon Musk will buy his seat for him,” Ennis said in a statement. “His only volunteers are AI robots. His only donor is Elon Musk. And his only rally attendees are reporters forced to cover an empty room. Texas deserves a senator who shows up — not one that hides behind a pile of money.”
Ennis’ attacks on Musk come after reports the Texas billionaire spent at least $168 million backing Paxton, whose campaign has had trouble gaining traction due to his history of scandals and lackluster early fundraising.
Despite the spate of cancellations, Paxton’s campaign still plans to be in San Antonio on Monday, Nov. 2, for a rally at the Alamo.
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