Leaked Audio Reveals

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton suggested he would support cuts to federal benefits programs during a private fundraiser with Washington lobbyists last month.

Paxton on Mandatory Spending

Paxton said: 'There’s no doubt we have to cut some of the mandatory spending. Making some reasonable cuts to mandatory spending, you’re gonna have to do it. Or there is no solution. That’s just the reality. We have to suck it up.'

“There’s no doubt we have to cut some of the mandatory spending”

Mandatory Spending Breakdown

Around three-quarters of mandatory federal spending went toward Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in fiscal year 2025.

Paxton's Deficit Concerns

Paxton added: 'From Republican presidents to Democrats, we’ve been spending like crazy and no one seems to care. It’s gonna bankrupt us. It’s just a matter of time.'

“From Republican presidents to Democrats, we’ve been spending like crazy and no one seems to care”

Lobbyist Response

Lobbyist Jeanne Haggerty wanted a personal tax cut, prompting laughter from the room: 'I would really like to pay my fair share of taxes, which is less than I’m paying right now.'

“I would really like to pay my fair share of taxes, which is less than I’m paying right now”

Campaign Context

Paxton’s Senate run against Democrat James Talarico has been Texas’ most competitive cycle in decades with early voting starting Oct. 19.

Deficit and Benefits

The federal deficit topped $1.8 trillion in fiscal year 2025 with Social Security and Medicare’s reserve funds projected to run out in under a decade.

Paxton's Tax Plan

Paxton promoted tax deductions for healthcare, housing and family-related expenses to address cost-of-living concerns fueled by the war in Iran.

Leaked Audio Timeline

Portions of Paxton’s remarks have been leaked in succession to The New York Times, Politico and Axios since last week.

Campaign Fundraising

Super PACs aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Trump spent over $150 million on ads for Paxton since September.