Trump’s long arm reaches far – perhaps to his detriment

For more than sixty years, the conservative US state of Texas no more Democrats were sent to the Senate in Washington. But that is exactly what could change this year after the midterm elections in November if the young Democratic candidate James Talarico should defeat his Republican opponent:

Because Ken Paxton (63)an ardent supporter of Donald Trump, is considered extremely problematic even within his own Republican ranks.

The fact that the controversial Attorney General of Texas was able to prevail in the Republican primary campaign has primarily to do with Trump. He supported Paxton massively – and loyally MAGA-Basis the Trump voter followed his recommendation. The previous conservative senator from Texas, more moderate and much more balanced, was left behind.

The more moderate Republican wing of the party has been worrying ever since: they will have to invest millions of dollars more. Because Paxton is embroiled in a series of scandals and lawsuits – money that will now flow to lawyers while it was actually intended for the election campaign against the Democrats. Paxton was charged with securities fraud and abuse of office.

He launched real legal wars against Democrats, some corporations and non-profit organizations – the MAGA base thanked the controversialist with the same devotion with which Ken Paxton always loudly remained loyal to Donald Trump.

Abwahl der “Illoyalen”

Paxton’s victory is the latest in a string of electoral victories for Trump, whose support proved crucial in this year’s Republican primaries. He pushed to vote out Republican incumbents he viewed as disloyal – including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Both lost their primaries.

Trump has once again shown the Republicans who is in charge in the party. But in the November elections, when Congress is re-elected in Washington, the shot could backfire. Senate seats have been lost for the Grand Old Party three times in recent years because Trump campaigned for loyal but controversial candidates.

In any case, the Democrats in Texas are rejoicing: They consider MAGA candidate Paxton to be so unelectable for many Republicans that they are already daring to think of a possible victory.

Then an avalanche could start rolling: If the Democrats win three Senate seats in the midterms, they would also have a majority in the second chamber of parliament. It is highly likely that they will win this in the House of Representatives. Without a majority in Congress, Donald Trump’s hands would be largely tied. He would then have tied himself down – with his support for loyal but radical MAGA candidates.