Ken Paxton Blames Iran War and High Fuel Prices for Voter Frustration in Leaked Audio

Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton privately pointed to the Iran war and rising fuel prices as major problems affecting voters and his campaign, according to newly leaked audio from a private fundraiser.

The recording was reportedly made during a September gathering with donors and lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Paxton was asked what issues were weighing most heavily on his campaign as he prepares to face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November.

Paxton rejected the idea that tariffs were primarily responsible for his difficulties. Instead, he pointed directly to the war, gasoline prices and the cost of diesel, arguing that higher transportation expenses are spreading throughout the economy.

“When it’s over $6 per gallon for diesel,” Paxton said, “people are feeling the pinch.” He added that expensive fuel contributes to higher food prices and other household costs.

Paxton described affordability as the biggest challenge facing his campaign. He acknowledged that many of the factors influencing a federal race are outside the control of an individual Senate candidate, including energy prices and decisions involving the war.

“I don’t make the decisions,” Paxton said during the private discussion, adding that he did not know what was behind some of the decisions being made at the federal level.

The Paxton campaign downplayed the recording after it became public. A campaign representative said the attorney general was simply acknowledging what Texans already know about elevated gasoline, diesel and grocery prices while arguing that President Trump is working to reduce those costs.

Paxton also discussed his own economic proposals during the meeting. His agenda includes additional tax deductions involving housing and health care expenses as well as an expansion of the child tax credit, measures he says would leave families with more money.

The recording is the latest in a series of leaked private comments involving Paxton. Earlier audio captured him expressing frustration about the influence of Washington Republicans over his campaign and saying the Republican midterm convention in Dallas had negatively affected his numbers.

Trump has continued backing Paxton despite the leaked recordings. The president endorsed him over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn during the Republican primary and is scheduled to campaign alongside Paxton in San Antonio as Republicans work to hold the Texas Senate seat.

The Texas race has attracted significant national attention and spending as Paxton faces Talarico in the November election. Republicans have held both of the state’s U.S. Senate seats for decades, but both parties are pouring substantial resources into the contest.

Paxton’s latest comments highlight how energy prices and the economic effects of the Iran conflict have become prominent issues in the closing weeks of the midterm campaign. His campaign maintains that his focus remains on reducing costs and pursuing tax relief for Texas families.