Texas Republican Senate hopeful Ken Paxton and Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner traveled to Washington on Tuesday to rally support within their respective parties, with control of the Senate at stake in November's midterm elections during President Donald Trump's final two years in office.
Paxton, Texas attorney general, is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House after securing the president's coveted endorsement following his primary runoff victory over Sen. John Cornyn. Platner will meet with Democratic senators days after reports emerged that he and his wife sought marriage counseling following disclosure of sexually explicit text messages he sent to other women.
Both candidates face concerns from party leaders about their electability in the fall, potentially complicating efforts by Democrats and Republicans to secure Senate majorities heading into Trump's last legislative cycle.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Tuesday that he met with Platner earlier in the day. "We're going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate," Schumer said repeatedly when asked about Platner's controversies, before trying to change the subject by saying, "Any other subject you've got?"
Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, endorsed Platner as part of economic populism. "Of course," Sanders told reporters Monday when asked if he still supports Platner. "Why would I not?"
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said her priority is hearing from Platner about issues affecting Maine residents. "I want to hear from him about the economy," she said ahead of their meeting. "And more about what he talks to the people of Maine about."
Sen. Martin Heinrich, who had endorsed Platner, indicated Democrats are focusing on policy rather than personal matters. He said he doesn't believe Maine voters are primarily focused on Platner's marriage and expressed cautious optimism about his chances against Collins.
However, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania appeared less supportive, calling Platner "phustle" in reference to an apparent profile uncovered on Kik messaging app. "So much bizarre and tacky and gross stuff that you lose count," Fetterman said. He stopped short of demanding Platner drop out but stated plainly, "I'm not going to carry water for that guy."
What the Right Is Saying
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas expressed unwavering support for Paxton's candidacy. "My priority is to make sure Republicans control the majority so we can continue the agenda that we're on," Marshall said 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."
Paxton's campaign framed his primary victory as a mandate. He described winning over Cornyn as a "Texas-sized message to Washington" and thanked Trump for his backing.
Senate Republicans' campaign arm previously criticized Paxton during the primary, calling his behavior "repulsive and disgusting" and quoting his estranged wife stating she filed for divorce "on biblical grounds." Senate Majority Leader John Thune backed Cornyn in the primary.
Sen. Ted Cruz is co-hosting a fundraiser for Paxton with a $1,000 minimum donation requirement, according to the event invitation.
What the Numbers Show
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, giving them control heading into November's elections. Earlier this cycle, Republicans were heavily favored to maintain their majority, but party leaders say conditions have shifted as Trump's popularity has declined and primary races produced controversial nominees.
In Texas, historical data shows Republicans dominate statewide politics, but the margin can be narrow in competitive races. Eight years ago during Trump's first midterm, Sen. Ted Cruz won reelection over Democrat Beto O'Rourke by less than 3 percentage points despite Republicans' structural advantages. James Talarico, Paxton's Democratic opponent, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.
In Maine, Collins has proven resilient. In 2020, she won reelection even though Democrat Joe Biden carried the state over Trump by 9 percentage points. Democrats have repeatedly tried to unseat her without success.
Maine's primary is scheduled for June 9. If Platner wins, he would face Collins in November. A September general election would determine control of the Senate for Trump's final two years.
The Bottom Line
Both campaigns represent high-stakes bets by their parties. Republicans risk needing to divert resources to Texas if Paxton proves a weaker-than-expected candidate against Talarico. Democrats face similar concerns about whether Platner can defeat Collins in a state she has carried multiple times despite statewide Democratic trends.
Tuesday's Washington visits underscore how both candidates, despite party brass preferring other nominees, have effectively become their parties' standard-bearers after primaries produced contested fields. With Senate control hanging in the balance, both sides are largely falling in line behind their respective nominee rather than risk losing winnable seats. What happens next will depend on whether these candidates can weather further scrutiny heading into November.