The Daily Punch The Ken Paxton survival strategy
Feb 18, 2026
A deep dive into how a Texas attorney general weathered a $60M establishment spending blitz and the unconventional campaign tactics that kept him afloat. Discussion of a new three-way primary dynamic reshaping the race. Reporting on a sharp rise in threats at the Capitol, including an armed incident and data on increasing violent online threats.
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Paxton Withstood A Massive Cash Attack
- Ken Paxton weathered over $60 million in establishment attacks and remains the frontrunner in the Texas Senate primary.
- His minimal ad spending and reliance on a conservative runoff electorate help preserve his lead.
Silence As A Campaign Strategy
- Paxton delayed airing his own TV ads and barely responded to attacks to conserve cash and avoid lending them attention.
- That strategy paid off because a runoff electorate favors his conservative base.
Hunt’s Entry Complicates The Runoff Math
- Wesley Hunt's entry tightened the race and drew attacks from both sides aiming to shape who makes the runoff.
- Both Paxton and Cornyn dismiss Hunt, but outside groups still target him to influence runoff matchups.