Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2026 Senate campaign has already hit a roadblock as his launch video potentially violates state ethics laws by featuring uniformed police officers.
Key Takeaways
- Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign launch video appears to feature uniformed Collin County police officers, potentially violating Texas ethics laws prohibiting the use of public resources for political advertising.
- Texas law specifically forbids using government-issued uniforms in political advertising unless personally purchased by the officers.
- Similar ethics violations have occurred in past campaigns, including ads by Sen. John Cornyn and other politicians from both parties.
- The Texas Ethics Commission can impose civil fines for such violations, but Paxton’s office has historically been lax in enforcing these types of breaches.
- Paxton enters the race with significant baggage, including a recent $6.6 million judgment awarded to whistleblowers and previous impeachment proceedings.
Ethics Concerns Over Campaign Launch Video
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s bid to unseat Senator John Cornyn has immediately raised legal questions after his campaign launch video featured what appear to be uniformed Collin County police officers. The Texas Ethics Commission typically prohibits the use of uniformed law enforcement in political advertising, as state law forbids using public funds—including government-issued uniforms—for campaign purposes. Neither Paxton’s campaign nor the Collin County Constable precincts have commented on whether the officers personally owned their uniforms, which would be a crucial distinction for legal compliance.
This isn’t the first time such ethics questions have emerged in Texas politics. Senator Cornyn himself faced similar scrutiny in 2020 when his campaign used uniformed officers in advertisements. The practice has become increasingly common across party lines, with Democratic candidates also falling into similar patterns of potentially improper use of law enforcement imagery in campaign materials. The Texas Ethics Commission maintains authority to impose civil penalties for these violations, though enforcement has historically been inconsistent.
Legal and Ethical Standards in Question
The regulations surrounding the use of public resources in political advertising are designed to prevent taxpayer-funded assets from being leveraged for personal political gain. Ethics experts note that the rules are clear but frequently tested by candidates eager to demonstrate law enforcement support. The distinction between personal uniforms and government-provided equipment becomes a critical legal consideration in determining whether violations have occurred.
“From what I understand, the police is not supposed to be using those uniforms in any sort of public display beyond their own professional services.” – Craig Holman
Holman further noted that “Apparent violations of ethics laws are not uncommon among politicians in both parties across the country. Last year, former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) used uniformed local law enforcement officials in an ad for his Senate campaign against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).” The pervasiveness of these potential violations suggests a systemic issue with campaign compliance across the political spectrum, rather than an isolated incident involving the Attorney General’s campaign.
Paxton’s Troubled Political Background
This ethics controversy adds to Paxton’s already complex political profile as he enters the Senate race. The Attorney General was recently ordered to pay $6.6 million to four whistleblowers from his office who filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after they reported his conduct to federal law enforcement. These allegations came from his own staff, who accused him of bribery and other abuses of power. Despite these serious challenges, Paxton has maintained his political standing within certain Republican circles.
“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a primary challenge against longtime Sen. John Cornyn on Tuesday night, setting the stage for a battle between two politicians representing different parts of the Republican Party.” – NBC News
Paxton’s legal challenges extend beyond the whistleblower case. He has faced felony charges in a securities fraud case, which was eventually settled with restitution payments and community service. He was also impeached by the Texas House on allegations including abuse of office and hiding an extramarital affair, though he was ultimately acquitted by the state Senate. Additionally, his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results prompted a state bar investigation. Despite this extensive legal baggage, Paxton appears confident in his ability to unseat the three-term incumbent senator.
Republican Party Divisions on Display
The Cornyn-Paxton primary battle highlights growing divisions within the Republican Party of Texas. Cornyn, with the backing of the Senate GOP’s campaign apparatus, represents the traditional establishment wing of the party. Paxton, meanwhile, has secured endorsements from Representatives Lance Gooden and Troy Nehls, positioning himself as the more conservative alternative. Senator Ted Cruz has thus far remained neutral in what promises to be a contentious primary race that will test the direction of Republican politics in Texas.
While former President Donald Trump has not yet weighed in on the race, his influence looms large over the contest. Paxton has been a staunch Trump ally, participating in the “Lawyers for Trump” coalition and leading legal challenges to the 2020 election results. Cornyn, by contrast, has occasionally broken with Trump on policy matters, creating a potential vulnerability in a primary where loyalty to the former president remains a significant factor for many Republican voters.
Sources:
- Ken Paxton may have run afoul of Texas ethics laws with Senate campaign launch
- Texas’ Ken Paxton hopes to parlay multiple scandals into a GOP Senate campaign
