Former Sen. Joe Manchin delivered a sharp rebuke of Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton on Sunday, questioning the Republican’s fundamental fitness for office.
Manchin, an independent from West Virginia, made the remarks during an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday” with host Chris Stirewalt.
The interview originally centered on Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, but quickly turned into a broader critique of Paxton’s character.
“I don’t know that young man and things he’s said I’m discouraged about, but I can tell you, if character means anything, you can’t vote for Ken Paxton, if character means anything, because he has none,” Manchin said.
Manchin added plainly, “So, you have a situation there,” summing up the competitive Texas Senate race in stark terms.
The comments from Manchin signal that Paxton’s checkered political history continues to draw criticism from across the political spectrum, not just from Democrats.
Paxton, who currently serves as Texas Attorney General, has carried notable political baggage into his Senate campaign that critics argue undermines his credibility.
He previously faced impeachment proceedings in the Texas House on corruption charges, a rare and dramatic moment in Texas political history that drew national attention.
Paxton was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate three years ago, but the episode has remained a persistent talking point for his opponents heading into the current race.
Texas typically presents a steep challenge for Democratic candidates, though Paxton’s legal and ethical controversies have given opponents additional ammunition in what could be a competitive cycle.
Talarico, the Democratic candidate in the race, received a notably lukewarm reception from Manchin, who said he was “discouraged” by some of the things Talarico has said.
The Texas Senate seat has drawn significant national attention as both parties assess whether shifting demographics and candidate quality could alter the state’s longstanding Republican advantage.
Manchin, who built his reputation in the Senate as a centrist willing to break with party orthodoxy, has continued to weigh in on national political contests following his departure from the chamber.
His willingness to criticize Paxton while also expressing reservations about Talarico underscores how the Texas race remains unsettled as candidates and voters alike take stock of their options.
