Republicans scrub anti-Paxton attacks from the internet after he becomes their nominee

Republican Campaigns Remove Negative Content About Ken Paxton Following His Senate Nomination

Republicans scrub anti Paxton attacks – Following Ken Paxton’s decisive win in the Texas Republican Senate primary, Republican campaign teams have taken swift action to remove months of negative content targeting the attorney general. A CNN KFile analysis revealed that the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), a key GOP fundraising and advocacy organization, deleted at least two dozen press releases, digital advertisements, and public statements that once condemned Paxton as corrupt and a threat to President Donald Trump’s policy goals. The removals include materials that labeled him with pejorative nicknames, criticized his handling of a high-profile divorce, and accused his office of favoring an alleged child sex trafficker in legal settlements.

NRSC’s Shift in Messaging

Previously, the NRSC had routinely described Paxton as a figure of dishonesty and corruption, framing his actions as jeopardizing Republican priorities. For instance, in comments and posts from the past year, the committee often referred to him as “crooked” and warned that his alleged misconduct could undermine the party’s legislative agenda. One notable example was a press release that claimed Paxton’s “corruption” would threaten Trump’s Senate Majority, a key objective for the GOP in 2026.

“More Texans are now victims of an alleged child sex trafficker because Crooked Ken Paxton gave this dirtbag the kid-gloves treatment,” said NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia in a now-deleted statement.

After Paxton secured the nomination, the NRSC pivoted its strategy. A statement issued by the group following his victory did not explicitly name him as the nominee, instead emphasizing his alignment with Trump’s vision. The document criticized a hypothetical candidate, claiming they would support open borders and radical leftist policies, while praising Paxton’s commitment to conservative values.

“A state President Trump won by nearly 14 points isn’t going to elect James Talarico — a radical leftist who thinks God is nonbinary and that Texas should be a welcome mat for illegals,” said NRSC regional press secretary Samantha Cantrell. “He is the most dangerous flank of the far left. Texas isn’t swapping brisket for open borders.”

The timing of these deletions suggests a coordinated effort to reshape the narrative surrounding Paxton’s candidacy. The NRSC has since erased at least eight tweets from X that previously accused him of being “asleep at the wheel” and misusing taxpayer funds. These posts highlighted his alleged failures to protect Texans, accusing him of channeling millions to leftist groups that “coach illegals on how to evade ICE,” “push DEI hiring schemes,” and “offer transgender resources to kids.”

Strategic Advertising Adjustments

Alongside the removal of written content, the NRSC has also taken down video advertisements that once painted Paxton in a negative light. Google’s ad transparency database shows that two such videos, including one titled “Ken Paxton Has a Dark Secret” and another labeled “Helping the Woke Left,” have been removed by the uploader. The first ad depicted Paxton as a Ken-like doll encased in a plastic box, symbolizing his perceived disconnect from core Republican principles. The voiceover in the ad stated, “Introducing the all new Ken. He talks a big game about conservative values, but when it’s time to deliver he drags his feet. … Ken doesn’t stand up for conservatives, he stands in their way!”

A second ad, “Texas Deserves Better Than Ken Paxton,” used stark imagery to convey its message. It began with a peaceful crossroad, where crickets chirped and the atmosphere was calm, then transitioned to a chaotic scene of sirens, broken glass, and car alarms. The narrator posed a rhetorical question: “So, which Texas do you want to hear?” The ad concluded with a title card reading, “Texas deserves better than the sound of Ken Paxton” and an image of Paxton with his fingers in his ears, suggesting he was blocking the voice of the people.

The NRSC also removed several ads from its YouTube channel, including those that highlighted Paxton’s alleged leniency toward a sex offender. One such press release described a controversial deal his office made with an individual accused of child sex trafficking, which prevented the person from serving prison time or being listed on the sex offender registry. This narrative framed Paxton as a collaborator with those who endanger families, a stark contrast to his current portrayal as a loyal Trump supporter.

Content Removal and Public Perception

The rapid deletion of these materials raises questions about the NRSC’s strategy in managing the public image of its nominee. By erasing prior criticisms, the committee appears to be emphasizing unity within the party and projecting Paxton as a strong, trustworthy leader. However, the removals have not gone unnoticed. Paxton’s campaign has not yet commented on the NRSC’s actions, though he has recently taken legal steps to address accusations of misuse. According to a press release, Paxton sued Harris County for “unlawfully allocating more than $1.3 million in public money to radical leftist organizations,” a move that aligns with his defense of conservative fiscal policies.

Despite the NRSC’s efforts to sanitize Paxton’s image, some evidence of past criticisms remains in digital archives. The contrast between the old and new messaging underscores a strategic shift in how the GOP is positioning its candidate. While the NRSC now touts Paxton as a defender of Texas values, it previously painted him as a divisive figure who could jeopardize the party’s goals. This transformation highlights the political stakes of the race and the importance of controlling media narratives in a closely contested election.

As the race moves forward, the NRSC’s actions may influence voter perceptions, particularly among those who had previously questioned Paxton’s integrity. The removal of content targeting him suggests a broader effort to consolidate support and present a unified front. Yet, the lingering traces of past attacks serve as a reminder of the intensity of the internal GOP debate and the power of media in shaping political outcomes. With the nominee now confirmed, the focus will likely shift to how the broader campaign will address these revised narratives in the final stretch of the race.