Bush Fundraises for Republicans but Not Paxton

Former President George W. Bush is participating in fundraising efforts for Republican candidates, but notably absent from these efforts is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton defeated George P. Bush in the 2022 Republican primary for Texas attorney general.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, hosted a fundraiser for the group Maintain the Majority. Bush attended as a special guest, according to a report by The New York Times. Ken Paxton, who defeated Cornyn, was not included in this event.

Maintain the Majority is a political action committee involving contributions from several senators and nominees including Dan Sullivan from Alaska, Jon Husted from Ohio, Susan Collins from Maine, Mike Rogers from Michigan, John E. Sununu from New Hampshire, and Ashley Hinson from Iowa. Michele Tafoya, a Minnesota Republican nominee, was added to the Monday night event list.

Notably absent are Paxton, North Carolina’s Michael Whatley, and Mike Collins, all aligned with former President Donald Trump.

“Bush and Cornyn have maintained a complex relationship with Trump and his endorsed candidates like Paxton,” states the report.

Karl Rove, a former senior advisor to Bush, expressed willingness to vote for a Democrat in Texas. Cornyn promoted early voting in Texas but did not mention Paxton.

While Paxton is not benefiting from Cornyn’s fundraising, he does have support from Trump, whose campaign finances are substantial. Trump’s MAGA Inc. holds over $415 million, as per recent FEC filings.

Key states like Michigan, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska have uncertain outcomes in maintaining Republican Senate seats. Democrats eye opportunities to win against Collins, Husted, Sullivan, Hinson, Whatley, and Paxton. Republicans, however, seek gains in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.

RNC Chair Joe Gruters remains confident in Texas retaining its Republican Senate seat. Gruters highlighted Paxton’s strength in past elections and the state’s solid Republican orientation.

Despite a growing number of California liberals moving to Texas, Gruters believes that Paxton’s campaign will withstand Democratic challenges, particularly against nominee James Talarico.