Texas Attorney General Paxton Faced Scrutiny Over 2022 Remark
A recorded interview resurfaced online featuring comments on the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton described the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde as part of a divine plan during a May 2022 podcast interview. The comments recently resurfaced after social media users distributed video clips of the conversation.
Why it matters
The resurfacing of these comments has intensified political discourse as the 2026 U.S. Senate race approaches. Representative James Talarico, who is challenging Paxton, has used the clips to critique the Attorney General's stance.
In the May 2022 interview, Ken Paxton addressed the Uvalde shooting, which resulted in 21 total fatalities, including 19 children and 2 teachers. The full exchange lasted 68 seconds, while the clip shared on social media spanned 6 seconds.
The players
Ken Paxton
He is the current Attorney General of Texas.
James Talarico
He is a Representative who is challenging Ken Paxton in the 2026 U.S. Senate election.
Shannon Watts
She is an activist known for sharing content related to gun safety and politics on social media.
Trey Graham
He is the podcast host who conducted the interview with Ken Paxton.
The details
During the interview with podcaster Trey Graham, Paxton stated that God has a plan while also calling the shooting senseless. In response to the tragedy, Paxton has advocated for hiring police officers at schools and training school staff for defense.
Timeline
May 2022: Ken Paxton recorded the podcast interview.
August 2, 2026: Talarico campaign criticized Paxton's comments on social media.
September 1, 2026: Talarico campaign criticized Paxton's comments on social media.
September 23, 2026: Shannon Watts posted video of Paxton's comments on X.
Political Context
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Texas school safety mandates regarding armed personnel. While the Attorney General continues to advocate for these specific security measures, political opponents are using his past remarks to challenge his suitability for the 2026 Senate seat.
Voters across the state are now evaluating how these resurfaced comments influence the platforms of candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate election. The discourse forces residents to weigh the candidates' past statements against their proposed policies for school safety and state governance.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder of how archived media can be mobilized in modern political cycles to impact election outcomes. Voters are encouraged to look at the full context of candidate statements when determining their support for upcoming races.
Further reading
For more background on the state's political climate, visit Texas Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Politi Fact.
