A Texas Republican senator’s private remarks suggesting that D.C.-based party leaders are dictating his Senate race strategy have sparked frustration among allies working to secure his reelection. The comments, made in a closed setting, reflect growing tensions between state-level conservatives and the national GOP over campaign control. Supporters of the Senate rescue effort view the remarks as undermining their coordinated efforts to turn the race in the senator’s favor. The internal divide highlights broader struggles within the party over how to balance local priorities with national messaging.
Paxton’s closed-door comments — that D.C. Republicans are largely controlling his race — have irked several close to the Texas Senate rescue effort.
