Paxton admits Trump’s Iran war and US gas prices torment Republicans in leaked audio | 2026 US midterm elections

Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general running as a Republican in a competitive Senate race, privately admitted that rising fuel prices resulting from Donald Trump’s Iran war were hurting his party ahead of the midterms in the latest leaked audio recording.

When asked what issues were “dragging” his campaign during a closed-door fundraising event, Paxton responded, “It’s not tariffs…it’s war, it’s gas prices, it’s diesel,” according to an audio recording shared with Axios.

“When the price of diesel goes above $6 a gallon … people feel the effects,” Paxton said.

Paxton acknowledged that affordability is Republicans’ “biggest problem” heading into next month’s election, citing polling numbers that indicate Democrats are leading in many competitive races — including his own.

Trump has tried to change the narrative on affordability, insisting that his administration has done more to lower everyday prices for Americans than it has for Democrats. Trump, who chose Paxton to run as a Republican in the Texas Senate race, will join Paxton at a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday evening.

But Paxton appeared to acknowledge the uphill battle Republicans face, telling attendees at closed-door events that “many factors in this federal race are out of control.”

“I don’t make the decisions, and I don’t know, you know, I don’t know what’s behind certain decisions,” Paxton said.

The Guardian has requested comment on Paxton’s campaign.

Madison Cercy, a spokeswoman for Paxton’s campaign, said in a statement that the Texas attorney general’s comments were “a non-story.”

“The attorney general said what all Texans already know: Gasoline and diesel prices are too high and hardworking Texans are struggling at the pump and at the grocery store,” Cercy said.

“President Trump is doing everything he can to lower prices, and Ken Paxton is going to Washington to help by putting money back in families’ pockets with a bigger child tax credit and bigger deductions for health care and home purchases. Texans need immediate relief, and everyone knows James Talarico will raise your taxes,” Cercy added.

A recent Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll indicates that most adults blame Trump for poor economic conditions. About 74% of Americans said the economy was doing poorly. Additionally, 65% of respondents said they blame rising costs directly on Trump’s policies.

In the audio recording obtained by Axios, Paxton said he was trying to help reduce costs in any way possible, such as through his proposed tax cut plan that includes deductions for health care and housing.

The Axios report is just the latest leaked audio clip of Paxton criticizing his own party.

Earlier this week, Politico reported that Paxton privately admitted during a closed-door event that forces outside Washington DC controlled much of his campaign messaging.

“I’ve never been in a race where I’ve felt less in control of the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming from — you know — DC,” Paxton said, according to an audio recording obtained by Politico.

Last week, the New York Times reported that Paxton admitted that Trump’s midterm Republican convention “dragged” his poll numbers.

Paxton is in a competitive race with progressive Democrat James Talarico. Polls show Paxton and Talarico neck and neck, but Talarico has a small lead over the Texas attorney general.