Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken more than 275 out-of-state trips since assuming office in 2015, costing Texas taxpayers at least $1.9 million to cover security detail expenses, according to an Associated Press review of state and campaign records. The review found that approximately 730 workdays were left blank on Paxton’s official calendars, a figure that rose significantly as he cultivated a national profile within the MAGA movement and launched his U.S. Senate campaign.
The travel patterns, which include visits to California wineries, European tourism hotspots, and ski resorts, have become a focal point in the November Senate race between Paxton and Democratic candidate James Talarico. While Paxton’s office maintains that his schedule reflects responsiveness to urgent legal matters, critics argue the data suggests a shift away from day-to-day state duties. The AP review indicates that security detail reimbursements for out-of-state travel spiked from approximately $30,000 in 2015 to nearly $400,000 in 2024.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic opponents and some moderate Republicans have cited the travel records as evidence that Paxton prioritizes his national brand over his state responsibilities. James Talarico, Paxton’s Democratic opponent, highlighted the Attorney General’s July 4th trip to Great Britain and a recent misspelling of the Texas town Cypress as 'Cyprus' in social media posts. 'But for all the time you spend on luxury vacations in Europe, it’s no surprise you don’t know Texas,' Talarico wrote on Sept. 20.
Joshua Blank, director of research for the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, stated that the data reveals 'a pattern of behavior here that may make some voters question how seriously Ken Paxton has taken the job.' Additionally, Tom Phillips, a former Republican chief justice on the Texas Supreme Court, endorsed the Democratic candidate for attorney general, Nathan Johnson, citing Paxton’s politicization of the office. 'The office of attorney general should be conducted in a nonpartisan fashion. Not to advance their own political agenda,' Phillips said.
What the Right Is Saying
Paxton’s office defended the travel schedule in an unsigned statement, arguing that calendar entries do not capture the full scope of his work, which includes hours of calls, negotiations, and briefings. 'Attorney General Paxton leads an agency of more than 4,000 employees and is briefed daily on the most pressing matters across the office,' the statement read. 'His schedule is built to be immediately responsive to the most pressing issues in order to best serve Texans.'
Supporters emphasize that the travel supports his role as a leading figure in conservative legal challenges, including over 100 lawsuits against the Biden administration. Paxton has leveraged these litigation efforts to build a strong political base, particularly among Christian conservatives and Trump supporters. His office noted that he travels with a security detail due to threats stemming from his 'courageous work' on behalf of Texas residents. While Paxton’s campaign declined to make him available for an interview, his continued alignment with former President Donald Trump remains a central pillar of his political strategy.
What the Numbers Show
State records reviewed by the AP indicate that blank days on Paxton’s calendars increased from fewer than 10 in his first year to 112 in 2024. In 2022, 96 days were listed solely as conservative media interviews, while in 2023, 122 days were dedicated to media appearances compared to 98 days for office operations. Travel to California, a frequent target of Paxton’s political rhetoric, accounted for over 25 trips costing taxpayers more than $175,000. Specific examples include a 2019 Napa Valley trip where campaign funds covered lodging and wine tours, while taxpayers paid $8,100 for security.
Financial disclosures present a complex picture of Paxton’s personal finances. While he earns about $153,000 annually as attorney general, his net worth reports fluctuate significantly, with one filing in August indicating assets exceeding $20 million, largely tied to real estate. However, a previous document suggested substantial debts and a possible negative net worth. The AP review noted that it is unclear how Paxton financed much of his personal travel, though his Senate campaign paid for some expenses, such as a $436 meal at a Yosemite-area restaurant during a 2024 trip.
The Bottom Line
The scrutiny of Ken Paxton’s travel and calendar habits arrives at a critical juncture for the Texas Senate race, which could determine control of the U.S. Senate. The divergence between his national media presence and local administrative duties has provided ammunition for Democratic opponents and some moderate Republicans, while his base continues to support his aggressive litigation strategy. With no requirement for the Texas Attorney General to report daily whereabouts, the debate relies heavily on reconstructed records from security expenses and campaign finance filings. Voters will likely weigh the cost of his travel against the perceived value of his national influence and legal victories in the upcoming election.