AG Paxton pledges to 'fight to preserve the American dream' at GOP Midterm Convention

Texas Republican Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks on stage on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Attorney General and United States Senate hopeful Ken Paxton reiterated his ongoing commitment to putting more money into the pockets of working-class Americans, during his speech at the GOP Midterm Convention hosted by the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Dallas, Texas.

Paxton (R-Texas.) kicked off his speech at the midterm convention on Wednesday by thanking President Donald Trump and pledging his dedication to the “American Dream” through tax relief, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) policies and reduced living costs.

The attorney general went on to offer a glimpse into his childhood, sharing that he grew up with his family in a trailer at an Air Force base, an experience he said instilled in him a deep understanding of what it means to serve his country.

“We didn’t have much but I learned more about service to my country in that trailer than I did in any classroom,” Paxton said. “And that’s why this is so personal to me.”

 

Using his humble upbringing as an example for the middle-class he has built his Senate campaign around, Paxton emphasized his commitment to “protecting” these individuals, who he says often worry “that they will never get ahead,” due to high costs of living.

That’s why, he said, he unveiled the Protecting the Texas Promise Plan, which he explained “put thousands of dollars back in your pockets” and helped Texans whose goals are to “buy a home, raise a family and live a healthy life.”

Paxton also touted his plan to help Texans achieve homeownership through a $50,000 down payment tax deduction, alongside a $25,000 deduction for medical expenses, emphasizing that “no family should go bankrupt just for getting sick.”

 

During his speech, the Senate hopeful pledged to “make Trump accounts permanent” while highlighting the positive effects of MAHA.

Paxton further utilized his stage time to celebrate his past achievements as Texas Attorney General, particularly during the Biden Administration.

“When the corrupt Biden administration came for us, I took them to court 107 times. And I won,” he stated, earning a cheer from the crowd. “That’s why President Trump said I was the most effective attorney general in the county”

 

Closing out his speech, Paxton cited his Senate challenger James Talarico (D-Texas.) who he said is running to “destroy” the American dream.

Ken Paxton Just ENDED James Talarico’s Political Career Live On Stage at the RNC Convention.

"This guy is obsessed with transitions. He wants to transition your kids. He wants to transition Texas off of oil and gas"

"How about we transition him and his crazy ideas right out… pic.twitter.com/Al6N76O4Ue

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 9, 2026

Talarico, a former middle school teacher and Texas House Representative, has pledged to bring “his fight against corruption to Washington and win power back for working people,” according to his campaign site.

 

“I will fight to preserve the American dream—James Talarico? Running to destroy it,” Paxton declared and concluded his speech by saying, “If we lose Texas we will lose the common-sense revolution.”

Elected on November 4, 2014, Paxton was reelected to second and third terms in 2018 and 2022, cementing his role as the state’s 51^st AG. He is known for establishing the Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime (HTTOC) division to combat human trafficking in Texas, according to his campaign site.