PLAY GAMES. RAW WORD DAILY 2026 Midterms US NEWS Investigations Opinion video HELP get the newsletter Home Trump U.S. News World Science Video Investigations Ethics Policy About Us New leaked audio catches Ken Paxton’s wild restaurant tale about vanquished GOP opponent Travis Gettys October 9, 2026 6:55AM ET Travis Gettys Senior Editor Travis Gettys is a senior editor for Raw Story based in northern Kentucky.
Ah, the world of politics—where betrayal is as common as a coffee break, and juicy gossip flows like wine at a lavish fundraiser. Recently, Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton found himself in the hot seat after leaked audio revealed his less-than-flattering thoughts about outgoing Senator John Cornyn. You know, the guy who’s supposed to be on your team but might just be sharpening his knife behind your back. Classic.
During a Washington fundraiser—because where else would you spill the beans on your political rivals?—Paxton accused Cornyn of actively trying to sabotage his campaign. According to Paxton, Cornyn was not just a bystander but the equivalent of a coach rooting for the opposing team. In his own words, “He’s clearly not helping. He wants me to lose.” Wow, Ken, tell us how you really feel!
This audio gem was unearthed by CNN, courtesy of an attendee who, let’s just say, is not exactly Team Paxton. Apparently, during the event, Paxton recounted a story about a friend who bumped into Cornyn at a Dallas restaurant. Now, if you think this is the setup for a bad joke, you’re not far off. The friend, in a moment of misguided optimism, bought dessert for Cornyn’s table and thanked him for supporting Paxton. In response, Cornyn allegedly turned as red as a Texas sunset and said something along the lines of, “Paxton’s gonna lose. We need to teach those Republicans a lesson.” Talk about a dessert that leaves a bitter aftertaste!
Of course, Cornyn’s camp has been quick to deny the whole shebang. His strategist, Rob Jesmer, probably had a hard time keeping a straight face while saying, “If Sen. Cornyn wanted Ken to lose, I can assure you he’d be more active in the campaign.” Ouch! That’s like your mom saying she’s not mad, just disappointed. Paxton’s team, in a move that could only be described as damage control, called the story “a story that doesn’t exist.” You know things are getting serious when you start denying the existence of dessert-related conversations.
But wait, there’s more! This is just the latest episode in what’s turning out to be a dramatic campaign season. Paxton has already expressed that he feels he’s lost “control” of his campaign to outside groups, and it seems his own party is not exactly rallying behind him. A memo from his campaign warned donors that their biggest challenge is winning back the Republican base after a particularly bruising primary. If you thought high school drama was bad, welcome to the GOP.
As if this wasn’t enough, a Fox News poll showed that nearly a third of Republican likely voters view Paxton unfavorably. And let’s not forget his opponent, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, who’s reportedly winning a fifth of those “non-MAGA” Republicans. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck, but with more fundraising dinners and less actual wreckage.
Even former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Paxton, has expressed concern about the race, while simultaneously insisting he has “no regrets at all.” So, in the twisted world of political endorsements, it seems you can love someone and worry about them at the same time. Who knew politics could be so complex?
As we dive deeper into this electoral soap opera, one thing is clear: the Texas Senate race is shaping up to be one for the ages. With accusations flying and dessert diplomacy failing, we can only sit back, grab our popcorn, and watch as the drama unfolds. Stay tuned, folks—this is just the appetizer. The main course is yet to come!
Inspired by: “New leaked audio catches Ken Paxton’s wild restaurant tale about vanquished GOP opponent” (r/News)