Two embattled U.S. Senate candidates made their way to Washington Tuesday, seeking to solidify party backing despite mounting concerns about their troubled campaigns. Texas Republican Ken Paxton and Maine Democrat Graham Platner are both working to convince party leaders they can win crucial races this November.
Both politicians are visiting the nation’s capital as their respective parties worry these candidates might jeopardize winnable seats during the midterm elections, with Senate control hanging in the balance for Trump’s remaining two years in office.
Paxton’s Washington agenda includes a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, following the president’s endorsement that helped him defeat Sen. John Cornyn in last month’s Texas runoff. A source familiar with the president’s schedule confirmed the planned meeting but wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about it.
Republican senators have expressed doubts about Paxton’s viability against Democratic challenger James Talarico this fall. The Texas attorney general carries significant baggage, including criminal charges, impeachment proceedings, and public revelations about extramarital affairs.
Paxton is also scheduled to sit down with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who had supported Cornyn in the primary race. During the campaign, the Senate Republicans’ fundraising organization harshly criticized Paxton, calling his conduct “repulsive and disgusting” and highlighting his estranged wife’s statement that she sought divorce “on biblical grounds.”
On the Democratic side, Platner plans to meet with multiple Democratic senators following recent revelations about his marriage troubles and counseling sessions after he allegedly sent explicit text messages to other women.
Sen. Martin Heinrich, scheduled to meet with Platner today, expressed doubt that Maine voters care much about Platner’s marital issues. When asked about Platner’s chances in the race, Heinrich responded “we’ll have to see” and “I suspect so.”
These latest personal revelations have intensified Democratic concerns about Platner, who previously faced criticism over old Reddit comments that minimized sexual assault and a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery. Platner has issued apologies for the posts and had the tattoo covered.
Similar to Paxton’s situation in Texas, Platner wasn’t the party establishment’s preferred choice, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had endorsed Maine Gov. Janet Mills. However, Platner became the likely nominee after Mills ended her campaign several weeks ago due to fundraising challenges.
Maine’s primary election is set for June 9, where Platner would face Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican seeking her sixth term. Unseating Collins represents a key component of Democratic efforts to reclaim Senate control.
Collins has successfully fended off Democratic challengers repeatedly throughout her career. During the 2020 election, she secured reelection despite Democrat Joe Biden winning Maine by nearly nine percentage points over Trump.
In Texas, some Republicans worry they may need to redirect valuable resources to help Paxton compete against Talarico, who has emerged as a national fundraising success story.
Despite Republican dominance in Texas spanning decades, leading party figures acknowledge this race could genuinely be competitive.
During Trump’s first term midterms eight years ago, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz barely survived a challenge from Democratic fundraising star Beto O’Rourke, winning by fewer than 3 percentage points.
Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 Senate majority and appeared well-positioned to keep control earlier in the election cycle. However, as Trump’s approval ratings decline and primary battles produce challenging nominees, Democrats have grown increasingly optimistic about their opportunities.
With Senate control at stake, party members have generally rallied behind both Platner and Paxton, despite reservations about their political vulnerabilities.
“My priority is to make sure that Republicans control the majority so we can continue the agenda that we’re on,” said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, on Tuesday. “Ken Paxton is absolutely necessary as far as keeping that majority. I have faith that the people of Texas will support him, and he’ll get across the finish line.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, confirmed Monday his continued support for Platner. “Of course,” he said. “Why would I not?”
The independent senator, who plans to meet with Platner, suggested the nation should “focus on issues more important than the Platner marriage.”
