Paxton’s Fortune and Frequent Travel Draw Scrutiny in Texas Senate Race
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, now the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, has built a personal fortune of up to $23 million since his first election to public office in 2002, according to The New York Times.
His assets include multiple mutual funds, a cellphone tower and 15 properties across six states. He has rarely explained publicly how he amassed that wealth on a government salary.
A growing portfolio
Public records reviewed by the Times show Paxton, his blind trust and a family trust own properties worth roughly $9 million, among them four condos at a Utah resort, three Florida homes, an Oklahoma cabin and land in Hawaii. Ten of the 15 were bought in the last six years. His attorney general salary is $153,000.
The Times also reported that a cell tower on a Frisco hospital campus, linked to a company Paxton co-founded while he sat on the hospital’s board, has paid him six figures roughly every 18 months since 2006. Forbes separately estimated his net worth at about $13 million.
Nonprofit newsrooms found that Paxton’s federal disclosure omitted seven properties and three Utah mortgages. Paxton’s campaign has dismissed much of the reporting as political attacks.
Travel on the public dime
A ProPublica and Texas Tribune analysis found Paxton has taken nearly 1,000 trips with a state-funded security detail since 2015, costing $3.3 million. Only 138 of them, about one in six, could be tied to state business. The trips included 53 to Florida and 24 to Utah, where he and his family trust own property.
An Associated Press review found more than 275 out-of-state trips and hundreds of blank workdays on his official calendars.
Paxton’s office has not offered specifics on the trips’ purposes.
The Texas Observer did a similar dig into Paxton’s expenses back in February.
Past legal battles
Paxton’s finances have drawn scrutiny for years.
A Texas grand jury indicted him on securities fraud charges in 2015. He resolved that case in 2024 through restitution and community service, without admitting wrongdoing. The Texas House impeached him in 2023, but the Senate acquitted him.
Key Details of the 2015 Indictment
- Charges: Two first-degree felony counts of securities fraud and one third-degree felony count of failing to register as an investment adviser representative.
- Allegations: The charges stemmed from actions in 2011 (prior to becoming Attorney General), alleging that Paxton solicited investors for a technology startup, Servergy Inc., without disclosing that he was receiving compensation from the company. Additionally, he was accused of referring clients to an investment firm without being properly registered with the state.
- Outcome: After nearly nine years of pre-trial litigation, appeals, and venue changes, the case was resolved in March 2024 through a pretrial diversion agreement. Prosecutors dropped all felony charges after Paxton agreed to complete 100 hours of community service, pay approximately $271,000 in restitution, and take 15 hours of legal ethics courses.
This month the Times published a 2014 deposition in which he told federal securities lawyers he could not recall details of his investments. A federal judge dismissed the SEC’s civil case in 2017.
Democratic opponent James Talarico is also seeking to unseal two other Paxton depositions, which a lawyer for Paxton’s wealth manager opposes.
Paxton has never been convicted of a crime.
Sources:
- The New York Times, “Inside Ken Paxton’s Private Testimony About His Money” (via DNYUZ, Oct. 9, 2026): https://dnyuz.com/2026/10/09/inside-ken-paxtons-private-testimony-about-his-money/
- The New York Times, cell tower report, Aug. 10, 2026: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/paxton-cell-tower-company-texas-senate.html
- The New York Times, vacation condos report, July 16, 2026: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/us/paxton-vacation-condos-wealth.html
- ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, travel and security costs, Oct. 9, 2026: https://texastribune.org/2026/10/09/ken-paxton-travel-costs/
- Associated Press, “Inside Ken Paxton’s jet-setting lifestyle,” Oct. 1, 2026: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/inside-ken-paxtons-jet-setting-lifestyle-california-wineries-136911377
- Courier Texas, “Ken Paxton makes $153,000 a year. He owns 15 properties worth $9 million”: https://couriertexas.com/news/politics/ken-paxton-real-estate-money/
- Forbes (via Texas Democratic Party), net worth estimate, Aug. 6, 2026: https://www.texasdemocrats.org/media/how-much-is-ken-paxton-worth-a-look-at-the-scandal-scarred-maga-senate-candidates-finances-forbes
- States Newsroom, “Ken Paxton omits rental income and mortgages from financial disclosures”: https://www.newsfromthestates.com/node/426273
- Raw Story, summary of the Times deposition report: https://www.rawstory.com/ken-paxton-indictment-new-report/
- The Texas Tribune, Talarico effort to unseal depositions: https://www.texastribune.org/?p=245151
Nearly 290,000 Travis County Voters Have Cast Ballots Early, With Four Days Left
More than 30% of registered voters have already voted through the first eight days of early voting for the Nov. 3 election
More than 290,000 Travis County voters have cast ballots in the first eight days of early voting for the Nov. 3 joint general and special elections, according to unofficial totals from the Travis County Clerk’s Elections Division.
Through Monday, Oct. 26, the county had recorded 290,432 voters, or 30.62% of the 948,575 registered voters in the county.
Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30.
Monday’s turnout rebounds after a slow weekend
On Monday, 34,210 voters cast ballots, up from 18,733 on Sunday and 25,450 on Saturday. The total includes 33,278 in-person voters at early voting locations, 222 limited ballots and 710 mail ballots received. Monday’s turnout represented 3.61% of registered voters.
The busiest day so far was opening day, Oct. 19, with 49,987 voters, or 5.27% of registered voters. That total includes 9,170 mail ballots received, a figure far above any other day. Mail ballot receipts have ranged from roughly 500 to 1,100 per day since then, except for Sunday, when none were recorded.
| Date | Total voters |
|---|---|
| Mon., Oct. 19 | 49,987 |
| Tue., Oct. 20 | 40,968 |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | 40,734 |
| Thu., Oct. 22 | 38,972 |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | 41,378 |
| Sat., Oct. 24 | 25,450 |
| Sun., Oct. 25 | 18,733 |
| Mon., Oct. 26 | 34,210 |
| Total | 290,432 |
Eight-day totals by category
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| In-person at early voting locations | 275,318 |
| Limited ballots | 955 |
| Mail ballots received | 14,159 |
| All voters | 290,432 |
In-person voting at early voting locations accounts for about 95% of ballots cast so far.
Busiest locations on Monday
Ben Hur Shrine Center had the most in-person voters on Monday, with 1,466. Bee Cave City Hall followed with 1,389.
The five busiest locations on Oct. 26 were:
- Ben Hur Shrine Center: 1,466
- Bee Cave City Hall: 1,389
- Austin Energy Headquarters: 1,273
- PfISD Rock Gym: 1,201
- Austin Oaks Church: 1,168
Typhoon Texas Waterpark (1,150) and Lakeway Activity Center (1,054) rounded out the top seven.
Busiest and least busy locations over eight days
Ben Hur Shrine Center also leads the cumulative totals, with 11,623 voters since early voting began. Bee Cave City Hall is close behind at 11,455.
Busiest locations, Oct. 19-26
- Ben Hur Shrine Center: 11,623
- Bee Cave City Hall: 11,455
- PfISD Rock Gym: 10,488
- Austin Energy Headquarters: 9,813
- Typhoon Texas Waterpark: 9,707
Least busy locations, Oct. 19-26
- Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility: 2,760
- Cepeda Branch Library: 3,228
- Community Center at Del Valle: 3,609
- Chinatown Center: 3,802
- Community Center at Oak Hill: 4,096
The Travis County Correctional Complex is listed in the report with no figures (“N/A”) for each day and a total of zero, so it is not included in the rankings.
What’s next
Four days of early voting remain: Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Oct. 30. The county’s report shows no figures yet for those days.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Voters can find early voting locations, hours and election information on the Travis County Clerk’s Elections Division website.
All figures are unofficial and come from the Travis County Clerk Elections Division’s daily early voting report for the Nov. 3, 2026 Joint General and Special Elections, current through Oct. 26. Early voting is countywide, so voters may cast ballots at any early voting location.
In response to park damage caused by this year’s ACL Festival, the Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted Monday evening to create a dedicated working group focused on the stewardship and preservation of Zilker Park.
The Great Lawn has been closed since September for festival setup and has not reopened. Rain during ACL’s first weekend turned much of the lawn into mud. There is no set date for it to reopen.
An audio recording obtained by KUT News offers a firsthand account of the ICE traffic stop and car chase that led to last month’s shooting of Venezuelan DoorDash driver Wilber Garces Perez in North Austin.
Captured by the body camera of an ICE agent identified as “D.F.,” the audio details the initial interaction involving Perez, agent D.F., and a second agent, “L.G.,” who ultimately opened fire.
PODCASTS
On July 4, 2025, a group of 10 antifa protesters was arrested, accused of what the federal government called a planned attack on the Prairieland detention facility in Texas. They were prosecuted as terrorists.
Janet Reitman, who has been covering the story, discusses the legal case and the questions it raises about who now qualifies as a terrorist in America.
ICE activity was reported early Monday on 183 between Cameron and Interstate 35.
Also in Rundberg, near North Lamar.
A Travis County jury found Shane James competent to stand trial after hearing conflicting testimony Monday about whether his belief that “laser masters” control his body prevents him from fully participating in his defense. (Austin American-Statesman)
KVUE-TV breaks down all the legal issues of the case.
A Texas DPS trooper has been suspended after being arrested for DWI in New Braunfels. (FOX 7 Austin)
A 20-year-old man turned himself in to authorities and is facing charges after a shooting and kidnapping incident that occurred at the Domain Shopping Center in North Austin on Sunday.
Firefighters responded to and extinguished a fire at an abandoned home in South Austin on Monday morning.
Austin ISD is warning current and former staff members about a possible data breach involving Frontline Education discovered August 14.
Meanwhile, Austin ISD parents are pushing back against plans to close two middle schools, with a possible state takeover also on the table.
AUSTIN ISD WEEKLY PODCAST
In this week’s episode:
Healthy Meals & Sustainable Food Services: Austin ISD earned the “Good Food Leader: Silver” recognition from the City of Austin and The Good Food Purchasing Program during a celebration at Bowie High School. Discover how the food service team prioritizes the health and wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment by serving locally-sourced, nourishing meals across all campuses.
Student Achievement at Summitt Elementary: Fourth-grade students participating in the Digital Skills and Coding program—funded by Apple and Region 13—showcased their self-designed, coded obstacle courses. The event featured visits from special guests, including Apple CEO John Ternus and representatives from Region 13.
Record Fundraising at the Inspire the Future Luncheon: Community supporters rallied at the Austin Ed Fund’s Inspire the Future Luncheon, raising $700,000 for Austin ISD students and educators. Key event sponsors included 3M, SXSW EDU, H-E-B, A+ Federal Credit Union, and Samsung.
(Episode from October 26, 2026)
CITY CAST PODCAST
We all know the saying: what starts at the University of Texas changes the world. But now, a conservative movement making sweeping changes at UT Austin could have major implications for the public university and the future of higher education in Texas. Forrest Wilder, senior writer at Texas Monthly, joins host Miles Bloxson to discuss his latest article which takes an inside look at the effort to transform UT.
Plus, can a task force save the Red River Cultural District? Caroline Drew, the music and culture reporter for the Austin Chronicle shares the challenges music venues in Austin are facing and what the city could do to support them.
Last up, creative producer Elissa Castles brings us a topic to debate: should cell phones be banned in the club? One thinks so.
An update from CapMetro on the city’s Bikeshare program.
CapMetro swore in six new officers yesterday which brings the force to more than 20 sworn personnel.
Archer Aviation plans to bring its electric air taxi service to Austin, Houston, and Dallas, and Austin could see its first flights as early as next year. (Austin Business Journal)
Apartments.com found Austin’s average one-bedroom asking rent was $1,348, or 23.1% of median renter household income, the lowest share among major metros. (Austin American-Statesman)
Austin is getting its own official version of one of the most iconic board games ever. Plans for Monopoly: Austin Edition were unveiled last year
Game Features & Local Twists
Instead of standard Atlantic City streets, players buy, sell, and trade iconic local properties and experiences:
- Custom Board Spaces: The board features locations like the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, and the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats. It also includes spaces highlighting local favorites like Schlotzsky’s and the popular social media account Austin Food Adventures.
- Themed Mechanics: Standard railroad crossings are replaced with Austin outdoor activities like paddle boarding, and the classic Luxury Tax is customized into a “tailgate tax”.
- Local Flavour: The community chest and chance cards are tailored to the city, and the money features nods to the Live Music Capital of the World.
Less rainfall is reaching Lakes Travis and Buchanan despite relatively steady precipitation over the Highland Lakes Watershed, according to a new study released by the Central Texas Water Coalition. (Community Impact)
Meanwhile, a new bridge that has been discussed since the 1970’s, will finally be built in Burnet County.
This week’s Texas Fire Potential Update:
WEATHER
MONDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
The full moon will rise particularly early on Sunday. As night falls, Saturn will appear gold and close to the moon.
As Central Texans prepare to turn their clocks back this Sunday, wildlife advocates are warning drivers to stay alert for more animals near roadways.
With early voting underway across the Lone Star State, the Republican ticket is taking its message directly to Texas voters.
Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are making campaign stops across the state this week—from West Texas to the Metroplex—as the GOP works to lock in conservative turnout and push local candidates over the finish line.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa has filed a lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott, seeking to compel his office to release approximately 1,200 pages of emails and communications between state officials and billionaire Elon Musk.
Hinojosa alleges the withheld records—which Abbott’s administration previously refused to disclose citing privacy concerns—show evidence of a “pay-to-play” relationship involving substantial state tax incentives and contracts awarded to Musk’s business ventures.
Texts and pamphlets purportedly sent out by a Texas transgender advocacy group were soon debunked as fake. But the scheme highlights how hard it can be to stem the flow of incessant political marketing during election season — and to reverse its harmful effects. (KUT 90.5)
The Texas Oil & Gas Association’s political action committee has rescinded its endorsement of Republican nominee Bo French in his race for Texas Railroad Commissioner, marking a dramatic break between the state’s dominant energy trade group and the candidate vying to regulate the sector.
The decision follows mounting fallout over controversial social media comments made by French, delivering a significant blow to his campaign just weeks before Election Day and underscoring deep fractures within Texas Republican and industry establishment ranks.
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll gives Democrats an eight-point lead on the congressional ballot, but lagging enthusiasm among young voters and independents could complicate their push to win Congress.
Democrats are preparing legal and political responses to possible election challenges from President Trump as he offers million-dollar rewards for tips leading to voter fraud convictions.
Israelis vote in a closely fought election that could determine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, with tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad returning home to cast their ballots.
The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office will participate in a multi-agency emergency response drill on Monday, November.
A former Texas Tech professor who built a fentanyl operation around a bizarre “Pink Flamingo” brand will spend the next 40 years in federal prison.
New World screwworm cases in the United States have reached 65 since June, with 12 cases still active, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
The latest detection was confirmed Saturday in cattle and sheep in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. It follows two cases involving cattle confirmed Friday in Hudspeth County, Texas, and additional detections last week in Hidalgo and Otero counties in New Mexico. (Texas Public Radio)
SPORTS
NFL: Dak Prescott threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns, two to CeeDee Lamb, and the Dallas Cowboys handed beat Philadelphia 38-21 on Monday night to hand the Eagles their fifth straight loss.
Javonte Williams ran for a career-high 155 yards and a touchdown, and the Cowboys (3-4) remained in contention for the NFC East title. The New York Giants lead the division at 4-2-1. (CBS News)
ON THE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: A late evaluation in the 2027 recruiting class paid off for the Texas Longhorns in landing a Monday commitment from Richmond (Va.) Varina edge RJ Hudson.
NBA: Fresh off a convincing 122–106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs return to their home floor tonight to host the struggling Sacramento Kings at 7:00 PM CDT.
The Spurs are looking to build momentum behind Victor Wembanyama, who has anchored San Antonio’s defense while averaging 13 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. With Tobias Harris ruled out due to a calf injury, expect head coach Gregg Popovich to lean again on a fast, guard-heavy rotation featuring Stephon Castle and former King De’Aaron Fox, alongside Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper.
NHL: Coming off a dominant 6–3 victory over the New York Islanders, the Dallas Stars return to the ice at the American Airlines Center tonight to take on the New Jersey Devils. Dallas enters the matchup looking to extend its momentum on home ice, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM CT.
As the light fades in South Texas, the local wildlife emerges at El Potrero Nature Photography Ranch.
