Ken Paxton Faces GOP Criticism Over Inaction Amid Democrat Walkout

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing sharp criticism from fellow Republicans, who say his inaction is jeopardizing the party’s ability to secure a pro-Trump congressional map, and threatening Republican control of the U.S. House.

As Texas Democrats fled the state this week to block a key redistricting vote, GOP leaders demanded swift legal action. But Paxton, the state’s top law enforcement officer, downplayed the possibility of prosecuting or replacing the lawmakers.

“We'd have to go through a court process, and we'd have to file that maybe in districts that are not friendly to Republicans,” Paxton said in an interview with commentator Benny Johnson. “So it's a challenge.”

That statement drew immediate fire from national Republicans.

“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was already threatening President Trump's Senate Majority. Now, his incompetence is threatening Trump's House Majority,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez.

The NRSC’s criticism is especially pointed given that the group is currently backing Sen. John Cornyn’s re-election campaign in Texas.

Cornyn, a longtime GOP figure and occasional critic of Paxton, is expected to face a competitive Republican primary in 2026. The NRSC’s support signals the party establishment’s preference and highlights growing frustration with Paxton’s legal and political maneuvering.

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) had threatened to have the absent Democrats charged with felonies and replaced if they failed to return by Monday afternoon. But Paxton, who would be responsible for pursuing those charges, admitted that enforcement would be complex and slow.

“We’d have to sue in every legislator’s home district,” he said. “It’s not a simple process.”

Democrats, for their part, are calling Abbott’s threats hollow.

“There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says,” said Democratic Rep. Jolanda Jones, speaking from Albany.

The standoff has effectively frozen Republican redistricting efforts, which are aimed at cementing GOP control of key congressional districts ahead of 2026.

For party leaders looking to maintain Trump-aligned majorities, Paxton’s hesitation is raising alarm.